powers

nounability, competence
nounphysical ability, capacity
nouncontrol, dominance

Synonyms for powers

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Antonyms for powers

Word Origin & History

c.1300, "ability; ability to act or do; strength, vigor, might," especially in battle; "efficacy; control, mastery, lordship, dominion; legal power or authority; authorization; military force, an army," from Anglo-French pouair, Old French povoir, noun use of the infinitive, "to be able," earlier podir (9c.), from Vulgar Latin *potere, from Latin potis "powerful" (see potent).

Meaning "one who has power" is late 14c. Meaning "specific ability or capacity" is from early 15c. Meaning "a state or nation with regard to international authority or influence" [OED] is from 1726. Used for "a large number of" from 1660s. Meaning "energy available for work is from 1727. Sense of "electrical supply" is from 1896.

Phrase the powers that be is from Rom. xiii:1. As a statement wishing good luck, more power to (someone) is recorded from 1842. A power play in ice hockey so called by 1940. Power failure is from 1911; power steering from 1921.

Example Sentences for powers

May the powers that guide our destiny, preserve you from any real cause for shame.

The jealousy of the European powers, too, protects the Turk.

Not the Trinity should come first to powers so limited as mine—but God.

He is bringing all his powers to bear on them; and he has many and varied powers.

Yet the letter which Aylward had brought him gave him powers which he was not slow to use.

Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, etc.—Tit.

For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.

The discovery which Ellinor had just made to me engrossed all my powers of attention.

They have to contend with the powers of darkness and the corruptions of nature.

It is leagued with the powers of darkness, in wresting man from his Maker.

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