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power
/ˈpaʊ.ə(ɹ)/
When used as a noun to mean influence, 'power' is often uncountable (e.g., 'knowledge is power'), but it can be countable when referring to specific legal or official authorities (e.g., 'the powers of the governor'). In the context of electricity, 'power' usually refers to the supply itself. If you say 'the power is out,' it means there is no electricity available. As a verb, 'power through' is often used informally to describe completing a difficult task by using sheer effort and determination despite being tired or facing obstacles.
💬Casual Conversation
Vega! I found a 'power nap' guide. Do I need a battery for this?
Cut it out, Zorg. Just go to sleep.
Meanings
The capacity or ability to direct or influence the behavior of others or the course of events.
"The president holds significant executive power."
Electric energy used to operate a device or system.
"A sudden storm caused a total power failure across the city."
The quality or state of being strong; physical force.
"The engine provides enough power to tow a heavy trailer."
To supply an electrical device with energy.
"This battery can power the laptop for ten hours."
Examples
Wait, did the power just go out again?
Listen, I don't have the power to fire you!
Does this small battery actually power the whole unit?
Just power through it, we're almost at the finish line!
Who has the power to make this final decision?
I can't believe he thinks he has that kind of power.
The engine has some serious power, doesn't it?
Can you check if the power cable is plugged in?
Stop trying to use your power over me, Dad!
We need more power if we want this to work.
Collocations & Compounds
power failure
A situation where the supply of electricity is interrupted.
abuse of power
The misuse of authority for personal gain or unfair purposes.
power struggle
A competition between people or groups to achieve a position of control.
horsepower
A unit used to measure the power of an engine.
power outage
A period of time when electricity is not available.
Phrasal Verbs
power up
To turn on an electrical device or to increase the energy level of a system.
power down
To turn off an electrical device or gradually reduce its power consumption.
power through
To continue doing something with great effort and determination despite difficulties.
Idioms & Sayings
power trip
An occasion where someone consciously exercises power or authority over others in an arrogant or oppressive way.
knowledge is power
The idea that the more one knows, the more influence and control one has over their life and environment.
power struggle
A prolonged competition for control or dominance between two or more people or groups.
the powers that be
The people who hold the authority and make the decisions in a particular organization or society.
power vacuum
A situation where there is no clear leader or governing body, often leading to a struggle for control.
Cultural Context
In the realm of social psychology, there is a fascinating and often tragic phenomenon known as the 'power paradox.' At its core, the paradox suggests that the very traits we need to acquire power—empathy, collaboration, and the ability to read others' emotions—are the same traits that tend to vanish once we actually possess it.
When individuals rise to positions of significant authority, their brain chemistry begins to shift. Research indicates that high-power individuals may experience a decrease in mirror neuron activity, which is the neurological basis for empathy. Essentially, as someone gains more power, they become less capable of 'feeling' what others feel. This creates a dangerous feedback loop: the leader becomes detached from the needs and emotions of their subordinates, leading to decision-making that is cold, clinical, or entirely out of touch with reality.
This psychological shift explains why historical figures who began as populist champions often transform into distant autocrats. The intoxicating nature of power creates a cognitive bubble. When you have the capacity to direct the course of events and influence thousands, you are rarely told 'no.' Over time, this lack of contradiction erodes the individual's social intelligence. They stop listening because they no longer feel they need to; they start commanding because it is more efficient than persuading.
However, the most poignant part of this paradox is the resulting isolation. While power provides a sense of omnipotence and security, it simultaneously destroys the authentic human connections that make life meaningful. The person at the top often finds themselves surrounded by 'yes-men' and sycophants, leaving them in a gilded cage of their own making. They possess the world, yet they lose the ability to relate to the people within it. Understanding this paradox is crucial for any leader who wishes to remain human while wielding influence, reminding us that the true test of power is not how much one can control, but how much one can resist the urge to let that control erase their empathy.