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

Hatch headed home both her goals in a three-minute span midway through the first half, providing all the firepower Washington would need to hand Bay FC (1-1-1) its first defeat of the season. —Bay Area News Group, Mercury News, 29 Mar. 2025

Losing Shaw’s firepower, Kelly’s creativity, Greenwood’s leadership and Taylor’s stability created a perfect storm. —Julia Ranney, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025

The team also needed more firepower after the loss of star goalie Peyton Trayer to a midseason eligibility controversy. —Dan Albano, Oc Register, 26 Mar. 2025

Mammoth Screen’s drama is one of ITV’s biggest upcoming shows and, with launch date May 18, it is being given plenty marketing firepower. —Max Goldbart, Deadline, 26 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