power
noun
uk/ˈpaʊər/ us [ U ]
the ability to control or influence people, organizations, events, etc.:
Shareholder power is a crucial part of how any capitalist society works.
power over sb/sth Most CEOs have a great deal of power over the boards of directors.
the power to do sth Oil prices still have the power to hurt the world economy.
The bitter power struggle at the top of the company had a negative effect on the value of its shares.
The balance of power in global markets is beginning to shift.
be in power The last government was in power for over a decade.
[ C or U ]
an official or legal authority to do something:
have the power to do sth The regulator has the power to block a deal that would be damaging to consumers.
emergency/executive/special powers The Prime Minister was set to invoke emergency powers to handle the distribution of petrol during the crisis.
[ C ]
a group, country, or organization that has control over others, especially because of financial or military strength:
a world/global power China is fast developing into a major global power.
a military/political power
a corporate/economic/financial power
[ U ]
the strength or influence of something in a particular market or activity:
We are seeing a shift in economic power from Europe to Asia.
I believe he has seriously underestimated the power of the brand.
[ U ]
energy that is produced and used to make things work:
The agency is running a campaign to try and turn public opinion in favour of nuclear power.
The energy regulator agreed that power companies could make customers sign long-term agreements.
a power cut/failure/outage A power outage in Quebec left 6 million people in the dark.
[ U ] IT
the ability of a machine, computer, etc. to work effectively:
The system is a way of measuring how much computer-processing power is needed to handle all the hits to a customer's site.
See also
bargaining power
borrowing powers
buyer power
buying power
earning power
grey power
market power
pester power
pricing power
purchasing power
solar power
spending power
staying power
underwriting power
wind power
power
verb [ T ]
uk/ˈpaʊər/ usto provide a machine, computer, vehicle, etc. with the energy it needs to work effectively:
be powered by sth
There is increasing interest in cars powered by alternative fuels, such as ethanol or clean diesel.
Most computers are now powered by Intel chips.
to make something happen in a faster or more effective way:
The supermarket's strong performance was powered by a 39% increase in sales of organic produce.
Phrasal verb
power (sth) up
power
adjective [ before noun ]
uk/ˈpaʊər/ usoperated by electricity or a motor:
power tools
a power drill
used to describe something that shows that you are a busy important person in a company:
She was wearing her trademark power suit for the meeting.