firepower

noun

fire·​pow·​er ˈfī(-ə)r-ˌpau̇(-ə)r 

1

a

: the capacity (as of a military unit) to deliver effective fire on a target

b

: effective fire

2

a

: effective power or force

intellectual firepower

b

: the scoring ability of a team or player

Synonyms

• energy
• force
• horsepower
• might
• muscle
• potence
• potency
• power
• puissance
• sinew
• strength
• vigor

Examples of firepower in a Sentence

The army didn't have the firepower to defeat the invaders.

right now the President doesn't have the political firepower to push his programs through Congress

Recent Examples on the Web

His energy and rebounding could give this team even more firepower. —Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 26 Dec. 2024

The firepower in City’s squad can blow any team away, and can even paper over their defensive cracks. —Thom Harris, The Athletic, 22 Dec. 2024

The Giants can use the type of firepower Adames can bring to the middle of their lineup. rosterresource.com lists Adames as the potential cleanup hitter in the Giants batting order. —Bernie Pleskoff, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024

The naval expansion plan comes as China and other powers in the Asia-Pacific and beyond build up their firepower. —CBS News, 10 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1871, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

firepower

noun

fire·​pow·​er -ˌpau̇(-ə)r 

: the ability to deliver gunfire or warheads on a target