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

FPVs are a major component of Russian firepower too. —David Hambling, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025

Notre Dame and South Carolina create impossible choices for opponents with their distribution of offensive firepower. —Sabreena Merchant, The Athletic, 6 Jan. 2025

The Chargers covered as 6-point favorites, flexing their offensive firepower and defensive prowess in a statement win. —Dan Perry, Newsweek, 5 Jan. 2025

Despite the lack of firepower, the reserves have won their minutes with a league-best defensive rating of 44.7, contributing to a net rating of +38. —Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 1 Jan. 2025

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