power
I've no power over him - he does what he wants to.
ability to control people and events
I've no power over him - he does what he wants to.
Oxford Essential Dictionary
power
noun
1 (no plural) the ability to control people or things; the ability to do things:
The president has a lot of power.
I did everything in my power (= everything I could do) to help her.
2 (plural powers) the right to do something:
Police officers have the power to arrest people.
3 (plural powers) a strong person or country:
There is a meeting of world powers in Rome next week.
4 (no plural) the energy or strength that somebody or something has:
The ship was helpless against the power of the storm.
5 (no plural) energy that can be collected and used for making machines work, making electricity, etc.:
nuclear power
Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English
power
I. pow‧er1 S1 W1 /ˈpaʊə $ paʊr/ BrE AmE noun
[Word Family: noun: power, superpower, powerlessness, empowerment; adjective: powerful ≠ powerless, overpowering, power, powered; verb: power, empower, overpower; adverb: powerfully ≠ powerlessly, overpoweringly]
[Date: 1200-1300; Language: Old French; Origin: poeir, from poeir 'to be able', from Latin potere; ⇨ potent]
1. CONTROL [uncountable] the ability or right to control people or events ⇨ powerful, powerless
power over
People should have more power over the decisions that affect their lives.
power-mad/power-crazy/power-hungry (=wanting too much power)
power-hungry politicians
2. GOVERNMENT [uncountable] the position of having political control of a country or government
in power
The voters have once again shown their support for the party in power.
come/rise to power (=start having political control)
De Gaulle came to power in 1958.
They seized power in a military coup.
3. INFLUENCE [uncountable] the ability to influence people or give them strong feelings ⇨ powerful, powerless
power of
the power of his writing
the immense power of television
the pulling power (=ability to attract people or attention) of major celebrities
student/black/consumer etc power (=the political or social influence a particular group has)
4. RIGHT/AUTHORITY [uncountable and countable] the right or authority to do something:
The police have been given special powers to help them in the fight against terrorism.
power to do something
The committee has the power to order an enquiry.
power of arrest/veto etc
The chairman has the power of veto on all decisions.
5. ABILITY [uncountable and countable] a natural or special ability to do something:
After the accident she lost the power of speech (=ability to speak).
powers of observation/concentration/persuasion
a writer’s powers of observation
your mental powers
a stone with magical powers
6. ENERGY [uncountable] energy that can be used to make a machine work or to make electricity
nuclear/wind/solar etc power
Many people are opposed to the use of nuclear power.
the search for renewable sources of power
under power
The ship was able to leave port under its own power (=without help from another machine, ship etc).
7. earning/purchasing/bargaining etc power the ability to earn money, buy things etc:
Property in the city is beyond the purchasing power of most people.
your bargaining power in pay negotiations
8. STRENGTH [uncountable] the physical strength or effect of something ⇨ powerful:
the power of a cheetah’s long legs
The power of the explosion smashed windows across the street.
9. ELECTRICITY [uncountable] electricity that is used in houses, factories etc:
Make sure the power is switched off first.
power cut/failure/outage (=a short time when the electricity supply is not working)
Parts of the country have had power cuts because of the storms.
The power came back on.
10. air/sea power the number of planes or ships that a country has available to use in a war
11. STRONG COUNTRY [countable] a country that is strong and important and can influence events, or that has a lot of military strength ⇨ powerful, powerless:
Egypt is still a major power in the Middle East.
world power (=a country that can influence events in different parts of the world)
12. be in/within sb’s power (to do something) if it is in someone’s power to do something, they have the authority or ability to do it:
I wish it was within my power to change the decision.
do everything/all in your power
The ambassador promised to do everything in his power to get the hostages released.
13. be beyond sb’s power (to do something) if it is beyond someone’s power to do something, they do not have the authority or ability to do it:
It’s beyond the power of the court to make such a decision.
14. be in sb’s power literary to be in a situation in which someone has complete control over you
15. do somebody a power of good British English informal to make someone feel more healthy, happy, and hopeful about the future:
It looks as if your holiday has done you a power of good.
16. MATHEMATICS [countable] if a number is increased to the power of three, four, five etc, it is multiplied by itself three, four, five etc times
17. the powers that be the unknown people who have important positions of authority and power, and whose decisions affect your life:
The powers that be don’t want the media to get hold of the story.
18. LENS [uncountable] technical the ability of a ↑lens, for example in a pair of ↑glasses or a ↑microscope, to make things look bigger
19. the powers of good/evil/darkness unknown or magical forces that people believe can influence events in a good or evil way
20. a power in the land old-fashioned someone who has a lot of power and influence in a country
21. the power behind the throne someone who secretly controls and influences decisions made by the leader or government of a country, but who does not have an official government position
22. power trip informal if you are on a power trip, you are enjoying your power or authority in a way that other people think is unpleasant
⇨ ↑staying power, ↑balance of power, ↑high-powered
• • •
COLLOCATIONS (for Meaning 1)
■ verbs
▪ have power People who have power never seem to use it to help others.
▪ get/gain power Women were trying to gain power in a male-dominated world.
▪ use your power (also exercise (your) power formal) The party will use all its power and influence to raise the issue in the Senate. | Questions have been asked about the way the police exercised their power.
▪ wield power formal (=use power - used when someone has a lot of power) The Church still wields enormous power in the country.
■ adjectives
▪ great/huge/enormous The central banks have huge power.
▪ limited The king's power was limited.
▪ political/economic/military power countries with little economic power
▪ absolute power (=total power, with no limits) Parents had absolute power over children in those days.
▪ unbridled power (=without any controls) Certain wealthy men exercised unbridled power.
▪ real power The real power lay with the President’s advisers.
■ phrases
▪ a power struggle (=a situation in which groups or leaders try to get control) The country is locked in a power struggle between forces favouring and opposing change.
▪ the balance of power There has been a shift in the balance of power between the two countries.
▪ a position of power (=a job or role that gives someone power) Many of them were using their positions of power for personal advantage.
▪ an abuse of power (=a wrong or unfair use of power) This cover-up is a scandalous abuse of power.
• • •
COLLOCATIONS (for Meaning 2)
■ verbs
▪ be in power The law was passed when the Democrats were in power.
▪ come to power (=start being in control) Tony Blair came to power in 1997.
▪ take power (=start being in control, usually without an election) Many people fled after the military took power last September.
▪ seize power (=take power by force) His son seized power in a military coup.
▪ assume power formal (=take power) He assumed power after the assassination of the former president.
▪ win power (=win an election) The Prime Minister is facing his toughest challenge since winning power.
▪ rise to power The Roman emperor Vespasian rose to power through command of an army.
▪ return/be returned to power (=start being in control again, usually after an election) The party was returned to power with a reduced majority.
▪ hold power (=be in power) Economic disaster befell the country during the decade when he held power.
▪ restore somebody to power (=put someone in control of a country again) In 2004, the army restored him to power.
▪ sweep to power (=win an election easily) Reagan swept to power by promising reforms.
▪ cling to power (=not lose it, or try not to lose it) Mao Tse-tung, the leader of the 1949 Communist revolution, clung to power for 27 years.
■ phrases
▪ sb’s rise to power The programme examines Saddam Hussein’s rise to power.
▪ sb’s return to power Churchill’s return to power had an immediate effect upon Anglo-American relations.
• • •
COLLOCATIONS (for Meaning 5)
■ adjectives
▪ mental powers Is it possible to enhance your mental powers?
▪ creative powers A music teacher should have a real interest in developing children’s creative powers.
▪ healing powers The water was supposed to have healing powers.
▪ magical/special/miraculous powers Diamonds were once thought to have magical powers.
■ phrases
▪ the power of speech I was so surprised that I momentarily lost the power of speech.
▪ the power of flight Some birds have lost the power of flight over millions of years.
▪ powers of observation Experience improves our powers of observation, since it teaches us what to look for.
▪ powers of concentration As you get older, your powers of concentration may decrease.
▪ powers of persuasion She used all her powers of persuasion to convince Tilly that the move was a good idea.
▪ be at the height of your powers (=be at a time in your life when your abilities are strongest) Fonteyn was still at the height of her powers as a dancer.
■ verbs
▪ lose a power He was a brilliant speaker, who never lost the power to influence people.
▪ sb’s powers are failing/waning (=becoming less good) Mark felt that his creative powers were waning.
• • •
COLLOCATIONS (for Meaning 6)
■ ADJECTIVES/NOUN + power
▪ nuclear power The accident raised doubts about the safety of nuclear power.
▪ solar power (=energy produced by sunlight) They use solar power for all their heating.
▪ wind power (=energy produced by the wind) Is wind power the answer to the energy crisis?
▪ wave power (=energy produced by waves in the sea) Wave power can be used to generate electricity.
▪ hydroelectric power (=energy produced by flowing water) The factory is run on hydroelectric power.
▪ steam power (=energy produced from steam) Early engines were driven by steam power.
■ phrases
▪ a source of power One problem is their reliance on coal as the main source of power.
• • •
COLLOCATIONS (for Meaning 11)
■ ADJECTIVES/NOUN + power
▪ a great power Britain wanted to maintain her status as a great power.
▪ a major power (=very important one) There will be representatives from all the world's major powers at the conference.
▪ a world power (=one with influence all over the world) The United States had replaced Great Britain as the dominant world power.
▪ a military/naval power (=with a very strong army or navy) Russia had become a naval power equal to Spain.
▪ a foreign power He was charged with spying for a foreign power.
• • •
THESAURUS
▪ country an area of land controlled by its own government, president, king etc: Thailand is a beautiful country. | Which country would you most like to visit?
▪ nation a country, considered especially in relation to its people and its political and economic structure: The events shocked the whole nation. | The US is the most powerful nation in the world. | Leaders of the world’s major industrialized nations attended the meeting.
▪ state a country considered as a political organization with its own government: They believe that Scotland should be an independent sovereign state. | Most European states joined the Council of Europe.
▪ power a country that is very strong and important: a meeting of the great powers | Britain is still a world power.
▪ superpower one of the most powerful countries in the world: During the Cuban Missile Crisis there was a real danger of conflict between the two world superpowers.
▪ land literary a country – used in stories: He told them about his journeys to foreign lands. | a traveller from a far-off land
Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary
power
power [power powers powered powering] noun, verb [ˈpaʊə(r)] [ˈpaʊər]
noun
CONTROL
1. uncountable the ability to control people or things
• ~ (over sb/sth) The aim is to give people more power over their own lives.
• ~ (to do sth) He has the power to make things very unpleasant for us.
• to have sb in your power (= to be able to do what you like with sb)
2. uncountable political control of a country or an area
• to take/seize/lose power
• The present regime has been in power for two years.
• The party came to power at the last election.
• They are hoping to return to power.
• a power struggle between rival factions within the party
see also balance of power
ABILITY
3. uncountable (in people) the ability or opportunity to do sth
• It is not within my power (= I am unable or not in a position) to help you.
• I will do everything in my power to help you.
4. uncountable (also powers plural) a particular ability of the body or mind
• He had lost the power of speech.
• The drug may affect your powers of concentration.
• He had to use all his powers of persuasion.
5. powers plural all the abilities of a person's body or mind
• At 26, he is at the height of his powers and ranked fourth in the world.
AUTHORITY
6. uncountable, countable, usually plural the right or authority of a person or group to do sth
• ~ (to do sth) The Secretary of State has the power to approve the proposals.
• The powers of the police must be clearly defined.
• ~ (of sth) The president has the power of veto over all new legislation.
• Police in riot gear used their powers under the Public Order Act to move on 300 protesters.
see also power of attorney
COUNTRY
7. countable a country with a lot of influence in world affairs, or with great military strength
• world powers
• an allied/enemy power
see also superpower
INFLUENCE
8. uncountable (in compounds) strength or influence in a particular area of activity
• economic power
• air/sea power (= military strength in the air/ at sea)
• purchasing power
• Their efforts to exercise collective bargaining power against multinational companies have failed.
9. uncountable the influence of a particular thing or group within society
• the power of the media
• parent power
ENERGY
10. uncountable the strength or energy contained in sth
• The ship was helpless against the power of the storm.
• It was a performance of great power.
• They were impressed by the power of her arguments.
see also firepower, staying power
11. uncountable physical strength used in action; physical strength that sb possesses and might use
• He hit the ball with as much power as he could.
• the sheer physical power of the man
12. uncountable energy that can be collected and used to operate a machine, to make electricity, etc
• nuclear/wind/solar power
• engine power
see also horsepower
ELECTRICITY
13. uncountable the public supply of electricity
• They've switched off the power.
• a power failure
MATHEMATICS
14. countable, usually singular the number of times that an amount is to be multiplied by itself
• 4 to the power of 3 is 4 3 (= 4 × 4 × 4 = 64).
OF LENS
15. uncountable the amount by which a lens can make objects appear larger
• the power of a microscope/telescope
GOOD/EVIL SPIRIT
16. countable a good or evil spirit that controls the lives of others
• the powers of darkness (= the forces of evil)
• She believed in the existence of a benevolent power.
more at The corridors of power at corridor, sweep (sb) to power at sweep v.
Word Origin:
Middle English: from Anglo-Norman French poeir, from an alteration of Latin posse ‘be able’.
Thesaurus:
power noun
1. U
• He seized power in a military coup.
control • • authority • • command • • rule • • office • • hold • |formal jurisdiction •
power/control/authority/command/rule/a hold/jurisdiction over sb/sth
in power/control/authority/command/office
absolute/complete power/control/authority/command/rule
have power/control/authority/command/a hold over sb/jurisdiction
take power/control/command/office
2. U, C, usually pl.
• The president has the power of veto over all legislation.
authority • • right • • privilege • |especially BrE, formal entitlement •
the power/authority/right/entitlement to do sth
have a/an/the power/authority/right/privilege/entitlement
use/exercise your powers/authority/right/privilege/entitlement
Power or authority? (to have) the authority to do sth usually refers to what sb is allowed to do within a company or other organization. The power to do sth or special powers often refer to what sb is allowed to do within the law or government of a country:
• Only the manager has the authority to sign cheques.
¤ Only the manager has the power to sign cheques.:
• The powers of the police must be clearly defined.
¤ The authority of the police must be clearly defined.
3. U (used in compounds)
• the country's technological and military power
influence • • weight • |formal leverage •
considerable/political power/influence/weight/leverage
economic/financial power/weight/leverage
have/use/exercise/exert (your) power/influence/leverage
4. U
• Wind power drives the machinery.
energy •
electrical/nuclear/atomic/solar/wind/tidal power/energy
generate/produce/provide/supply/use/harness power/energy
a power/an energy supply
a source of power/energy
Power or energy? Energy is the source of power: the fuel, the light and heat from the sun or a nuclear reaction, etc. Power is energy that has been collected and used to produce electricity, etc. The energy supply is all the power that has not yet been used up; the power supply is the continuous flow of power to where it is being used
• The world's energy supply is heading for crisis.
• interruptions in the power supply
5. U
• the sheer physical power of the man
strength • • force • |formal literary might •
physical power/strength/force
use your power/your strength/force/your might
Collocations:
Politics
Power
create/form/be the leader of a political party
gain/take/win/lose/regain control of Congress
start/spark/lead/be on the brink of a revolution
be engaged/locked in an internal power struggle
lead/form a rival/breakaway faction
seize/take control of the government/power
bring down/overthrow/topple the government/president/regime
abolish/overthrow/restore the monarchy
establish/install a military dictatorship/a stable government
be forced/removed/driven from office/power
resign/step down as party leader/an MP/president/prime minister
enter/retire from/return to political life
Political debate
spark/provoke a heated/hot/intense/lively debate
engage in/participate in/contribute to (the) political/public debate (on/over sth)
get involved in/feel excluded from the political process
launch/start/lead/spearhead a campaign/movement
join/be linked with the peace/anti-war/feminist/civil rights movement
criticize/speak out against/challenge/support the government
lobby/put pressure on the government (to do sth)
come under fire/pressure from opposition parties
Policy
call for/demand/propose/push for/advocate democratic/political/land reform(s)
formulate/implement domestic economic policy
change/influence/shape/have an impact on government/economic/public policy
be consistent with/be in line with/go against/be opposed to government policy
reform/restructure/modernize the tax system
privatize/improve/deliver/make cuts in public services
invest (heavily) in/spend sth on schools/education/public services/(the) infrastructure
nationalize the banks/the oil industry
promise/propose/deliver/give ($80 billion in/significant/substantial/massive) tax cuts
a/the budget is approved/ (especially NAmE) passed by parliament/congress
Making laws
have a majority in/have seats in Parliament/Congress/the Senate
propose/sponsor a bill/legislation/a resolution
introduce/bring in/draw up/draft/adopt/pass a bill/a law/legislation/measures
amend/repeal an act/a law/legislation
veto/vote against/oppose a bill/legislation/a measure/a proposal/a resolution
get/require/be decided by a majority vote
more collocations at economy, voting
Example Bank:
• Don't underestimate my powers of persuasion.
• Having served in four governments, he has the greatest staying power of any politician today.
• He did everything in his power to find us somewhere to live.
• He sits on the board but has no executive power.
• He wants to change the world through the power of prayer.
• I lost my power of speech for a while after the accident.
• I'm afraid it's not within my power to help you.
• In 1946 Dalí was at the peak of his powers.
• People say that the First Lady is the power behind the throne.
• Power tools make many jobs so much easier.
• Religion is rapidly losing its power to shape our behaviour.
• She exudes star power whenever she's on screen.
• She was in the elevator when the power went off.
• Some states delegate police power to municipalities.
• The Crown prince assumed power in his father's place.
• The company was too small to hold two such power-hungry men.
• The court has no power to order a psychiatric examination of the child's parents.
• The emperor held no real power.
• The generator supplies power for lighting,
• The government has limited legal powers over television.
• The new law delegates many of these powers to school governors.
• The party's power base is in the industrial north of the country.
• The plane was still climbing at full power.
• The real legislative power still rests with the lower chamber.
• The transmitter is operating on reduced power.
• The war brought about a shift in the balance of power.
• They believe he has supernatural powers.
• They fell from power in 1992.
• They held power for 18 years.
• They held us in their power.
• They use these streams to generate power for the mill.
• This wheel provides the power to the cutting machine.
• When did this government come to power?
• Who will get the upper hand in this power struggle?
• Wind power is used to drive the machinery.
• a task still beyond any computer's power
• a tribute to his powers as a teacher
• an increase in Britain's air power
• belief in a higher power
• certain powers that were granted to the government
• her powers of observation
• major European powers such as France and Germany
• supplying power for the grinding process
• the destructive power of a hurricane
• the father's position of power and influence in the home
• the healing power of sleep
• the party in power
• the raw power of their music
• the transfer of power from a military to a civilian government
• weapons with enormous fire power
• Air power decided the battle in favour of the Allies.
• He has the power to make life very difficult for us.
• He seized power in a military coup.
• He talked about the enormous power of the mass media.
• He transformed a backward country into a world power.
• Increased trade union bargaining power led to higher wage settlements.
• It is not within my power to help you.
• It was the beginning of a power struggle between rival factions within the party.
• She was determined to go through with her plan, now that she had him in her power.
• Sufferers of the disease have failing mental powers and poor memories.
• The Emperor had absolute power over all his subjects.
• The cost of solar power needs to fall before it makes an impact on the energy market.
• The country's dominance was assured by its technological and military power.
• The government promised greater opportunities for parent power.
• The influence of the former colonial power is still very much in evidence.
• There seems to have been a power failure.
• They've switched off the power.
• Those aged over 55 now have a purchasing power of more than £30 billion annually.
• To go higher the pilot increases the engine power.
• Values are distorted by the power of advertising.
• electrical/nuclear/atomic/solar/wind/tidal energy/power
• interruptions in the power supply
• to generate/produce/provide/supply/use/harness energy/power
Idioms: do somebody a power of good ▪ more power to somebody's elbow ▪ power behind the throne ▪ powers that be
Derived: power down ▪ power something down ▪ power something up
Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary
Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition
power / paʊə r / / paʊɚ / noun (CONTROL)
B2 [ U ] ability to control people and events:
I've no power over him - he does what he wants to.
Once nicotine has you in its power, it's very difficult to stop smoking.
She has the power to charm any man she meets.
C1 [ U ] the amount of political control a person or group has in a country:
Does the president have more power than the prime minister?
How long has the Conservative Party been in power?
The army seized power after five days of anti-government demonstrations.
Word partners for power (CONTROL)
come into / rise to power • assume / seize / take power • devolve / hand over power • considerable / enormous power • a position of power • a power struggle • have power over sb • be in power
Word partners for power (ELECTRICITY)
lose / restore power • switch off / turn off the power • a power cable / line / supply • be without power
Word partners for power (ENERGY)
generate / produce / provide / supply power • harness power • nuclear / solar / wind power
power / paʊə r / / paʊɚ / noun [ U ] (STRENGTH)
C1 strength:
Our car doesn't have enough power to tow a trailer.
Weightlifters have tremendous power in their arms and legs.
Scientists are working to harness the power of the atom.
The economic power of many Asian countries has grown dramatically in recent years.
Word partners for power (CONTROL)
come into / rise to power • assume / seize / take power • devolve / hand over power • considerable / enormous power • a position of power • a power struggle • have power over sb • be in power
Word partners for power (ELECTRICITY)
lose / restore power • switch off / turn off the power • a power cable / line / supply • be without power
Word partners for power (ENERGY)
generate / produce / provide / supply power • harness power • nuclear / solar / wind power
power / paʊə r / / paʊɚ / noun (OFFICIAL RIGHT)
[ U ] an official or legal right to do something:
[ + to infinitive ] I'd like to help but I don't have the power to intervene in this dispute.
It's not in your power to cancel the order.
I can't give you a refund - I'm afraid it's not within my power.
powers [ plural ] authority:
You were acting beyond your powers when you agreed to give her a pay rise.
Visitors to the city are respectfully reminded of the council's powers to remove illegally parked vehicles.
Word partners for power (CONTROL)
come into / rise to power • assume / seize / take power • devolve / hand over power • considerable / enormous power • a position of power • a power struggle • have power over sb • be in power
Word partners for power (ELECTRICITY)
lose / restore power • switch off / turn off the power • a power cable / line / supply • be without power
Word partners for power (ENERGY)
generate / produce / provide / supply power • harness power • nuclear / solar / wind power
power / paʊə r / / paʊɚ / noun [ U ] (ELECTRICITY)
B1 electricity, especially when considering its use or production:
You should disconnect the power before attempting to repair electrical equipment.
Our building lost power (= the electricity was stopped) during the storm.
power cables/lines
Word partners for power (CONTROL)
come into / rise to power • assume / seize / take power • devolve / hand over power • considerable / enormous power • a position of power • a power struggle • have power over sb • be in power
Word partners for power (ELECTRICITY)
lose / restore power • switch off / turn off the power • a power cable / line / supply • be without power
Word partners for power (ENERGY)
generate / produce / provide / supply power • harness power • nuclear / solar / wind power
power / paʊə r / / paʊɚ / noun (ABILITY)
powers [ plural ] abilities:
My mental powers aren't as good as they used to be.
C1 [ U ] a natural skill or an ability to do something:
He was so shocked by what happened to his parents that he lost the power of speech.
[ + to infinitive ] The surgeon did everything in her power to save him.
Word partners for power (CONTROL)
come into / rise to power • assume / seize / take power • devolve / hand over power • considerable / enormous power • a position of power • a power struggle • have power over sb • be in power
Word partners for power (ELECTRICITY)
lose / restore power • switch off / turn off the power • a power cable / line / supply • be without power
Word partners for power (ENERGY)
generate / produce / provide / supply power • harness power • nuclear / solar / wind power
power / paʊə r / / paʊɚ / noun [ C ] (PERSON WITH CONTROL)
C1 a person, organization, or country that has control over others, often because of wealth, importance, or great military strength:
Spain was an important military power in the 16th century.
Germany is on its way to becoming a world power with a permanent seat on the UN Security Council.
She is an increasingly important power in the company.
Word partners for power (CONTROL)
come into / rise to power • assume / seize / take power • devolve / hand over power • considerable / enormous power • a position of power • a power struggle • have power over sb • be in power
Word partners for power (ELECTRICITY)
lose / restore power • switch off / turn off the power • a power cable / line / supply • be without power
Word partners for power (ENERGY)
generate / produce / provide / supply power • harness power • nuclear / solar / wind power
power / paʊə r / / paʊɚ / noun [ U ] (ENERGY)
the rate at which energy is used, or the ability to produce energy:
The ship was only slightly damaged in the collision and was able to sail into port under its own power.
specialized The power rating of my amplifier is 40 watts per channel.
Word partners for power (CONTROL)
come into / rise to power • assume / seize / take power • devolve / hand over power • considerable / enormous power • a position of power • a power struggle • have power over sb • be in power
Word partners for power (ELECTRICITY)
lose / restore power • switch off / turn off the power • a power cable / line / supply • be without power
Word partners for power (ENERGY)
generate / produce / provide / supply power • harness power • nuclear / solar / wind power
power / paʊə r / / paʊɚ / noun [ U ] (IMAGE SIZE)
the amount by which an image is increased by a device used for seeing things that are very small or a long distance away:
What's the magnification power of your binoculars?
You'll need a very high-power microscope to see something as small as that.
A low-power telescope is enough if you only want to look at the moon.
Word partners for power (CONTROL)
come into / rise to power • assume / seize / take power • devolve / hand over power • considerable / enormous power • a position of power • a power struggle • have power over sb • be in power
Word partners for power (ELECTRICITY)
lose / restore power • switch off / turn off the power • a power cable / line / supply • be without power
Word partners for power (ENERGY)
generate / produce / provide / supply power • harness power • nuclear / solar / wind power
power / paʊə r / / paʊɚ / noun [ S ] specialized (MATHEMATICS)
the number of times that a number is to be multiplied by itself:
2 to the fourth power is 2 times 2 times 2 times 2, which equals 16.
3 to the power 4 is usually written as 3 4 .
Word partners for power (CONTROL)
come into / rise to power • assume / seize / take power • devolve / hand over power • considerable / enormous power • a position of power • a power struggle • have power over sb • be in power
Word partners for power (ELECTRICITY)
lose / restore power • switch off / turn off the power • a power cable / line / supply • be without power
Word partners for power (ENERGY)
generate / produce / provide / supply power • harness power • nuclear / solar / wind power
© Cambridge University Press 2013
Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary
power
[pa͟ʊə(r)]
♦
powers, powering, powered
1) N-UNCOUNT If someone has power, they have a lot of control over people and activities.
She interviewed six women who have reached positions of great power and influence...
In a democracy, power must be divided.
...a political power struggle between the Liberals and National Party.
2) N-UNCOUNT: usu N to-inf, N of n Your power to do something is your ability to do it.
Human societies have the power to solve the problems confronting them...
Fathers have the power to dominate children and young people...
He was so drunk that he had lost the power of speech.
3) N-UNCOUNT: poss N If it is in or within your power to do something, you are able to do it or you have the resources to deal with it.
Your debt situation is only temporary, and it is within your power to resolve it...
Although it is not in his power to do so, he said he would rebuild the Air Base...
We must do everything in our power to ensure the success of the conference.
4) N-UNCOUNT: also N in pl, oft the N to-inf If someone in authority has the power to do something, they have the legal right to do it.
The Prime Minister has the power to dismiss and appoint senior ministers...
The police have the power of arrest...
The legal powers of British Customs officers are laid out in the Customs and Excise Management Act of 1969.
5) N-UNCOUNT: oft in N If people take power or come to power, they take charge of a country's affairs. If a group of people are in power, they are in charge of a country's affairs.
In 1964 Labour came into power...
He first assumed power in 1970...
The party has been in power since independence in 1964.
6) N-COUNT: usu supp N You can use power to refer to a country that is very rich or important, or has strong military forces.
In Western eyes, Iraq is a major power in an area of great strategic importance.
...the emergence of the new major economic power, Japan.
7) N-UNCOUNT: usu supp N The power of something is the ability that it has to move or affect things.
The Roadrunner had better power, better tyres, and better brakes.
...massive computing power.
8) N-UNCOUNT Power is energy, especially electricity, that is obtained in large quantities from a fuel source and used to operate lights, heating, and machinery.
Nuclear power is cleaner than coal...
Power has been restored to most parts that were hit last night by high winds...
There is enough power to run up to four lights.
9) VERB The device or fuel that powers a machine provides the energy that the machine needs in order to work.
→ See also high-powered
[V n] The `flywheel' battery, it is said, could power an electric car for 600 miles on a single charge...
[V n] The planes are powered by Rolls Royce engines.
Syn:
drive
Derived words:
-powered COMB in ADJ ...battery-powered radios. ...nuclear-powered submarines.
10) ADJ: ADJ n Power tools are operated by electricity.
...large power tools, such as chainsaws.
...a power drill.
Ant:
mechanical
11) N-SING: to the N of num, to the ord N In mathematics, power is used in expressions such as 2 to the power of 4 or 2 to the 4th power to indicate that 2 must be multiplied by itself 4 times. This is written in numbers as 24, or 2 x 2 x 2 x 2, which equals 16.
Any number to the power of nought is equal to one.
12) PHRASE You can refer to people in authority as the powers that be, especially when you want to say that you disagree with them or do not understand what they say or do.
The powers that be, in this case the independent Television Association, banned the advertisement altogether...
The powers that be may keep us from building a house just where we want to.
Phrasal Verbs:
- power ahead
- power up
Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary
1pow·er /ˈpawɚ/ noun, pl -ers
1 [noncount] : the ability or right to control people or things
• She is from a very wealthy family with a lot of social power.
• a politician who is hungry for power = a power-hungry politician
• The company abused its power, forcing workers to work overtime without pay.
• The company was almost destroyed in a power struggle between its two founders.
• She had them in her power. [=she controlled them]
• I'm sorry, but I don't have it in my power to help you. [=I don't have the power to help you; I can't help you]
- often + over
• He has no power over me.
2 [noncount] : political control of a country or area
• After the emperor died, power passed to his eldest son.
• the peaceful transfer of power to the newly elected president
• The president was removed from power in the recent uprising.
• The new government has taken power.
• The latest elections put a new (political) party in power.
• The rebels rose/came to power several years ago.
- see also black power, flower power
3 [count]
a : a person or organization that has a lot of control and influence over other people or organizations
• A small company with only a few products has grown to become a power in the industry.
• Our state is now the region's leading economic power.
b : a country that has a lot of influence and military strength
• a foreign power
• the European powers
- see also great power, superpower, world power
4 [noncount]
a : physical force or strength
• Getting the floor clean required lots of muscle power.
- often + of
• I was impressed by the sheer power of her tennis serve.
• the power of hurricane winds
b : military force
• They are threatening to use air/military power to resolve the conflict.
- see also balance of power, firepower, sea power
c : the energy or force that someone or something can produce for movement, work, etc.
• He could not walk under his own power. [=he could not walk without help]
• The machines are running at full power. [=are doing as much work as they can possibly do]
5 a : an ability to do something
[count]
• It's an old story, but it still has the power to frighten children.
• You have the power to change your life.
• I'll do everything within/in my power to help. [=I'll do everything that I can to help]
• It's in your power [=you have the ability] to change the way things are done here.
- often + of
• He's studying the healing powers of various plants.
• She lost the power of speech. [=she was no longer able to speak]
• Some things are beyond the power of human understanding.
• He used all of his powers of persuasion, but she still would not agree.
[noncount]
• Each member of the club has equal voting power.
• The new computer is tiny but has more computing power than many desktop computers.
• His position gives him great bargaining power.
- see also buying power, purchasing power, staying power
b [noncount] : the ability to influence or affect people or things
• It was a speech of great power.
• A good lawyer is able to argue with power and conviction.
- often + of
• the power of art/love/religion/television
• Great poetry reminds us of the power of language.
- see also drawing power, pulling power
6 : the right to do something : legal or official authority to do something
[count]
• You have the power to decide whether or not you'll agree to do it.
• The President has the power to veto laws passed by Congress.
[noncount]
• The board of directors has given her power to negotiate the contract.
- see also power of attorney
7 [noncount]
a : energy that can be collected and used to operate machines
• electrical/nuclear/solar/wind/battery power
• The car's engine yields more power while using less fuel.
- see also horsepower, manpower
b : the electricity that people use
• We lost power during the storm.
• Do you know how many watts of power your refrigerator uses per day?
8 [count] mathematics
a : the number of times that a number is to be multiplied by itself
• 5 (raised) to the third power is 125. [=5 x 5 x 5 = 125]
b : a number that results from multiplying a number by itself
• 8 is a power of 2 because 2 x 2 x 2 is equal to 8.
9 [noncount] technical : the ability of an optical device (such as a telescope) to make objects look bigger
• the power [=magnification] of a microscope/telescope
• a telescope of high power
do (someone) a power of good Brit informal + old-fashioned : to help someone physically or mentally : to make someone feel better
• I think spending a day outside in the sunshine would do you a power of good. [=(US) do you a world of good]
more power to you US or Brit more power to your elbow informal
- used to say that you approve of what someone is doing and hope it will be successful
• If he wants to write a book, more power to him!
the corridors/halls of power : places where people talk about issues and make important decisions especially about political matters
• the corridors of power in Washington, D.C.
the power behind the throne : the person who secretly controls a country, organization, etc., by controlling the actions and decisions of the official leader
• He's the company president, but his assistant is the (real) power behind the throne.
the powers that be : the people who decide what is allowed or acceptable in a group, organization, etc.
• The students wanted to have a big party, but the powers that be didn't approve.
• I applied for the job, but I guess the powers that be didn't think I was qualified. synonyms power, authority, jurisdiction, command, and dominion mean the right or ability to govern, rule, or strongly influence people or situations. power is a general word that suggests the ability to control or influence what is done, felt, etc.
• the power of the throne
• the power to appoint judges
• The movie has the power to shape public opinion. authority suggests power that has been given to someone for a specific purpose and that has certain limits.
• She gave her nephew the authority to manage the estate on her behalf. jurisdiction refers to official, legal power that has certain limits.
• This matter is outside the court's jurisdiction. command refers to the power that someone (such as a military officer) has to make decisions and to force people to behave in a desired way.
• He was given command of the regiment. dominion is a formal word that stresses the greatest or highest power or authority.
• The country no longer has dominion over the island.
