power

I UK [ˈpaʊə(r)] / US [ˈpaʊər] noun
Word forms "power":
singular power plural powers
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Metaphor:

Having power and controlling someone is like being in a higher position than them. Not having power is like being low down. They have no power/control over their staff. ♦ She ruled over the empire for many years. ♦ He remained at the top for ten years, until his retirement. ♦ They have come out on top yet again. ♦ She holds the highest position in the company. ♦ There are many staff under her. ♦ How many people are there above you? ♦ I began my career as a lowly office worker. ♦ Don't let them walk all over you. ♦ the upper/lower classes ♦ They were downtrodden and oppressed. ♦ She's completely under his thumb. Having power and control is like holding someone or something, or like driving a vehicle or controlling an animal. They have a hold over him. ♦ The military forces seized power. ♦ Police kept a firm grip on dissenters. ♦ She seems to have a handle on most of the work. ♦ I've got the situation well in hand. ♦ The children are completely out of hand. ♦ Who makes the decisions? Who is pulling the strings? ♦ I have no idea who's in the driving seat. ♦ The company expanded greatly during his years in the saddle. ♦ She is steering the country through much-needed reforms. ♦ She kept her staff on a very tight rein. ➡ proud

1) [uncountable] the ability to influence or control what people do or think

Power within the company is divided between the directors and the shareholders.

the power of television advertising

power over:

Her parents still have a lot of power over her.

power struggle (= an attempt by each of two people or groups to get control):

a power struggle within the party

a) [uncountable] the ability to achieve something or to make something happen

purchasing/bargaining/earning power

beyond your power:

I had always believed such an achievement was beyond my power.

do everything in/within your power:

Willis did everything within his power for his client.

b) [countable/uncountable] a natural or unusual ability for doing something

He has amazing powers of concentration.

the power to do something:

Some people believed Rashad had the power to perform miracles.

2) [countable/uncountable] political control of a country or government

The plan aims to strengthen governmental powers.

be in power:

The ruling Social Democratic party has been in power for ten years.

seize power:

Later that year, the generals seized power in a bloody coup.

a) [countable/uncountable] official or legal authority to do something

A high court has power to overturn the lower court's decision.

exercise your power (= use your authority):

Under the dictatorship, the army was allowed to exercise vast powers.

abuse your power (= use your authority in a bad way):

Local officials were found to be abusing their power.

b) [countable] a country that is able to influence other countries because of its economic or military strength

China has emerged as a major economic power in Asia.

3)

a) [uncountable] energy obtained from oil, coal, the sun etc, used for operating equipment and machines

solar power

b) the supply of electricity to your home, office, community etc

4) [uncountable] physical force or strength

The boy was thrown backwards against a tree by the power of the blast.

the power of the crocodile's jaws

5) [uncountable] the ability of a machine or vehicle to operate quickly and effectively

I'm going to need a computer with more power.

6) [countable] maths used in mathematics for saying how many times you multiply a number by itself. For example "10 to the power of 3" means 10x10x10.

•

more power to someone/someone's elbow — spoken used for telling someone to do what they want, even though you doubt whether they can or should do it

If you want to go to Peru alone, more power to you.

- the powers that be

See:

power of attorney, power trip

II UK [ˈpaʊə(r)] / US [ˈpaʊər] verb
Word forms "power":
present tense I/you/we/they power he/she/it powers present participle powering past tense powered past participle powered

1) [transitive] to give a machine or vehicle power

a new vehicle powered by fuel cells

2) [intransitive] mainly journalism to move very quickly, so that you defeat others

power through/past:

She powered through the last lap of the race.

Phrasal verbs:

- power down

- power up

III UK [ˈpaʊə(r)] / US [ˈpaʊər] adjective

operated by electricity or by a motor

a power drill