power

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   one possessing or exercising power or influence or authority

   the mysterious presence of an evil power

2. 2
   verb

   supply the force or power for the functioning of

   The gasoline powers the engines

3. 3
   noun

   possession of controlling influence

   the deterrent power of nuclear weapons

4. 4
   noun

   possession of the qualities, especially mental qualities, required to do something or get something done

   Danger heightened our powers of discrimination.

5. 5
   noun

   The ability to do or undergo something.

   He has lost the power to speak.

6. 6
   noun

   The ability to coerce, influence, or control.

   The proportion of female colleagues in the Hsinchu County Government and its affiliated units has reached 61%. “Women Power” is the power behind over half of the services provided by the county government.

7. 7
   noun

   Strength, energy.

   He needed a lot of power to hit the ball out of the stadium.

8. 8
   noun

   A large amount or number.

   do a power of good

Etymology

Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *pótis Proto-Italic *potis Proto-Indo-European *h₁es- Proto-Indo-European *h₁ésmi Proto-Indo-European *bʰuH- Proto-Indo-European *bʰúHt Proto-Italic *som Proto-Italic *possom Latin posseder. Vulgar Latin potēre Old French pooir Anglo-Norman poerbor. Middle English power English power From Middle English power, poer, from Old French poeir, from Vulgar Latin potēre, from Latin posse, whence English potent. Compare French pouvoir. Displaced the native Old English anweald.