/ ˈpaʊəfl; NAmE ˈpaʊərfl/ adjective
1.
( of people ) being able to control and influence people and events
SYN influential :
an immensely powerful organization
a rich and powerful man
Only the intervention of powerful friends obtained her release.
2.
having great power or force; very effective :
powerful weapons
a powerful engine
a powerful voice
3.
having a strong effect on your mind or body :
a powerful image / drug / speech
4.
( of a person or an animal ) physically strong
SYN muscular :
a powerful body
a powerful athlete
► power·ful·ly / -fəli; NAmE / adverb :
a powerfully emotive song
He is powerfully built (= he has a large strong body) .
She argued powerfully for reform.