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

While drones excel at targeting key equipment, the sheer firepower of an artillery barrage forces Russian troops out of fortified positions and vehicles. —Vikram Mittal, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025

For Arizona, the question is how much of last season’s offensive firepower can be replicated. —Tim Britton, The Athletic, 25 Mar. 2025

Ian Martinez possesses the most firepower in this matchup for Utah State. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 21 Mar. 2025

Robinson is the perfect defensive balance to Towns’ offensive firepower. —Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 19 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1871, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for firepower

• candlepower
• cauliflower
• overpower
• superpower
• vavasour
• waterpower
• airpower
• brainpower
• devour
• empower
• horsepower
• manpower

Kids Definition

firepower

noun

fire·​pow·​er -ˌpau̇(-ə)r 

: the ability to deliver gunfire or warheads on a target