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

One thing that may help: If international students are afraid to come to the United States — or are not allowed to — the colleges will need more firepower and data savvy to fight for any applicants who still want to pursue higher education. —Ron Lieber, New York Times, 1 May 2025

Conrad and Harry decide to fill a duffle bag full of firepower, which the latter plans to smuggle into the Stevensons' house prior to the reception. —Matt Cabral, EW.com, 27 Apr. 2025

The Steelers did make things enticing for Rodgers, too, bringing in D.K. Metcalf in a trade with the Seahawks to add to their offensive firepower, which includes George Pickens, Jaylen Warren, Pat Freiermuth and rookie running back Kaleb Johnson out of Iowa. —Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 27 Apr. 2025

Note that actions now could lead to longterm wins, so don’t let this firepower go to waste. —Skyler Caruso, People.com, 20 Apr. 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