- 1[uncountable] the ability to control people or things power (over somebody/something) The aim is to give people more power over their own lives. power (to do something) He has the power to make things very unpleasant for us. to have someone in your power (= to be able to do what you like with someone)
- 2[uncountable] political control of a country or an area to take/seize/lose power The present regime has been in power for two years. The Republicans came to power in the last election. They are hoping to return to power. a power struggle between rival factions within the party Topic CollocationsPoliticspower
- create/form/be the leader of a political party
- gain/take/win/lose/regain control of Congress
- start/spark/lead/be on the brink of a revolution
- be engaged/locked in an internal power struggle
- lead/form a rival/breakaway faction
- seize/take control of power/the government
- bring down/overthrow/topple the government/president/regime
- abolish/overthrow/restore the monarchy
- establish/install a military dictatorship/a stable government
- be forced/removed/driven from office/power
- resign/step down as party leader/president/prime minister/governor/a senator
- enter/retire from/return to political life
- spark/provoke a heated/hot/intense/lively debate
- engage in/participate in/contribute to (the) political/public debate (on/over something)
- get involved in/feel excluded from the political process
- launch/start/lead/spearhead a campaign/movement
- join/be linked with the peace/anti-war/feminist/civil rights movement
- criticize/speak out against/challenge/support the government
- lobby/put pressure on the government (to do something)
- come under fire/pressure from opposition parties
- call for/demand/propose/push for/advocate democratic/political/land reform(s)
- formulate/implement domestic economic policy
- change/influence/shape/have an impact on government/economic/public policy
- be consistent with/be in line with/go against/be opposed to government policy
- reform/restructure/modernize the tax system
- privatize/improve/deliver/make cuts in public services
- invest (heavily) in/spend something on schools/education/public services/(the) infrastructure
- nationalize the banks/the oil industry
- promise/propose/deliver/give ($80 billion in/significant/substantial/massive) tax cuts
- a/the budget is approved/passed by Congress/the House/the Senate
- have a majority in/have seats in Congress/the House/the Senate
- propose/sponsor a bill/legislation/a resolution/an amendment
- introduce/bring in/draw up/draft/adopt/pass a bill/a law/a resolution/an amendment/legislation/measures
- amend/repeal an act/a law/legislation
- veto/vote against/oppose a bill/legislation/a measure/a proposal/a resolution
- get/require/be decided by a majority vote
- ⇨ more collocations at economy, vote
ability - 3[uncountable] (in people) the ability or opportunity to do something It is not within my power (= I am unable or not in a position) to help you. I will do everything in my power to help you.
- 4[uncountable] (also powers [plural]) a particular ability of the body or mind He had lost the power of speech. The drug may affect your powers of concentration. He had to use all his powers of persuasion.
- 5powers [plural] all the abilities of a person's body or mind At 26, he is at the height of his powers and ranked fourth in the world. authority
- 6[uncountable, countable, usually plural] the right or authority of a person or group to do something power (to do something) The Secretary of State has the power to approve the proposals. The powers of the police must be clearly defined. power (of something) The President has the power of veto over all new legislation. Police in riot gear used their powers under the Public Order Act to move on 300 protesters. see power of attorney country
- 7[countable] a country with a lot of influence in world affairs, or with great military strength world powers an allied/enemy power see superpower
- 8[uncountable] (in compounds) strength or influence in a particular area of activity economic power air/sea power (= military strength in the air/at sea) purchasing power Their efforts to exercise collective bargaining power against multinational companies have failed.
- 9[uncountable] the influence of a particular thing or group within society the power of the media black power energy
- 10[uncountable] the strength or energy contained in something The ship was helpless against the power of the storm. It was a performance of great power. They were impressed by the power of her arguments. see firepower, staying power
- 11[uncountable] physical strength used in action; physical strength that someone possesses and might use He hit the ball with as much power as he could. the sheer physical power of the man
- 12[uncountable] energy that can be collected and used to operate a machine, to make electricity, etc. nuclear/wind/solar power engine power see horsepower
- 13[uncountable] the public supply of electricity They switched off the power. a power failure mathematics
- 14[countable, usually singular] the number of times that an amount is to be multiplied by itself 4 to the third power/to the power of 3 is 43 (= 4 × 4 × 4 = 64). of lens
- 15[uncountable] the amount by which a lens can make objects appear larger the power of a microscope/telescope good/evil spirit
- 16[countable] a good or evil spirit that controls the lives of others the powers of darkness (= the forces of evil) She believed in the existence of a benevolent power. Idioms
control
the higher levels of government, where important decisions are made
the person who really controls an organization, a country, etc. in contrast to the person who is legally in charge The president's wife was suspected of being the real power behind the throne.
the people who control an organization, a country, etc. The powers that be are still trying to decide what should be done.
Check pronunciation: power_1