n.
Pronunciation: ' pau ̇ (- ə )r
Function: noun
Usage: often attrib
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French poer, pouer, from poer to be able, from Vulgar Latin *pot ē re, alteration of Latin posse ― more at POTENT
Date: 13th century
1 a (1) : ability to act or produce an effect (2) : ability to get extra-base hits (3) : capacity for being acted upon or undergoing an effect b : legal or official authority, capacity, or right
2 a : possession of control, authority, or influence over others b : one having such power specifically : a sovereign state c : a controlling group : ESTABLISHMENT ― often used in the phrase the powers that be d archaic : a force of armed men e chiefly dialect : a large number or quantity
3 a : physical might b : mental or moral efficacy c : political control or influence
4 plural : an order of angels ― see CELESTIAL HIERARCHY
5 a : the number of times as indicated by an exponent that a number occurs as a factor in a product <5 to the third power is 125> also : the product itself <8 is a power of 2> b : CARDINAL NUMBER 2
6 a : a source or means of supplying energy especially : ELECTRICITY b : MOTIVE POWER c : the time rate at which work is done or energy emitted or transferred
7 : MAGNIFICATION 2B
8 : 1 SCOPE 3
9 : the probability of rejecting the null hypothesis in a statistical test when a particular alternative hypothesis happens to be true
synonyms POWER , AUTHORITY , JURISDICTION , CONTROL , COMMAND , SWAY , DOMINION mean the right to govern or rule or determine. POWER implies possession of ability to wield force, permissive authority, or substantial influence <the power to mold public opinion>. AUTHORITY implies the granting of power for a specific purpose within specified limits <gave her attorney the authority to manage her estate>. JURISDICTION applies to official power exercised within prescribed limits <the bureau having jurisdiction over alcohol and firearms>. CONTROL stresses the power to direct and restrain <you are responsible for the students under your control >. COMMAND implies the power to make arbitrary decisions and compel obedience <the army officer in command >. SWAY suggests the extent or scope of exercised power or influence <an empire that extended its sway over the known world>. DOMINION stresses sovereign power or supreme authority <given dominion over all the animals>.
synonyms POWER , FORCE , ENERGY , STRENGTH , MIGHT mean the ability to exert effort. POWER may imply latent or exerted physical, mental, or spiritual ability to act or be acted upon <the awesome power of flowing water>. FORCE implies the actual effective exercise of power <used enough force to push the door open>. ENERGY applies to power expended or capable of being transformed into work <a worker with boundless energy >. STRENGTH applies to the quality or property of a person or thing that makes possible the exertion of force or the withstanding of strain, pressure, or attack <use weight training to build your strength >. MIGHT implies great or overwhelming power or strength <the belief that might makes right>.