power

Forms

1.The ability to do or undergo something.
- He has lost the power to speak.
- If it is spirits who have power to suffer, it seems they would also have active powers to think and will.
- On June 8, 1872, the London & North Western Railway obtained powers to quadruple its main line, and a new tunnel was bored for the up and down slow lines.
2.The ability to coerce, influence, or control.
- Britain is no longer the maritime power that it once was.
- He's nominally president, but he does not have any real power.
- In the 19th century, Britain and France were major colonial powers.
3.Strength, energy.
- We need a microscope with higher power.
- This high-spec computer is ideal for power users.
- She's a power shopper; she knows all the best deals.
4.A large amount or number.(colloquial)
- Don't you mind my snuffling a little, becuz we're in a power of trouble.
- "There'd be a power of horses down there on the parade ground, wouldn't there ?"

1.To hit or kick something forcefully.
2.To enable or provide the impetus for.
- Abdul Sattar Edhi came to Karachi as a poor man from an Indian village in 1947. Starting with a small pharmacy tent, his work rapidly expanded, powered by donations from ordinary citizens.
3.To move or advance with great force or speed.
4.To provide power for (a mechanical or electronic device).
- This CD player is powered by batteries.

Very common· #274

Etymology tree

Proto-Indo-European *pótis

Proto-Italic *potis

Proto-Indo-European *h₁es-

Proto-Indo-European *h₁ésti

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.