power
1 physical power
2 power over people and things
political power POLITICS, GOVERNMENT
the power needed to make machines work MACHINE
see also ORDER, MUST
1 physical power
- the physical ability to move things, lift things, etc: strength (noun U), force (noun U); having strength: strong, powerful
the strength/force of the wind ◎ the force of an explosion ◎ The police were ordered not to use force to stop the demonstration. ◎ If we can't persuade them peacefully, we shall have to get what we want by force. ◎ a strong army ◎ powerful muscles
- to defeat sb because you are too strong for them: overpower sb
Harry was overpowered by the guards and taken to his cell.
- to use physical strength to do sth or move sth: force sth
We had to force the window open after we had locked ourselves out.
※ more on being strong STRONG/WEAK
2 power over people and things
- the ability to make other people do what you want: power (noun U)
I promised to do everything in my power to help them.
- having a lot of power: powerful, strong
a powerful individual ◎ powerful people who control our lives ◎ a strong nation
- the right to do sth: power (to do sth) (noun U)
Doctors have no power to keep a patient in hospital against their will.
- the power and right to give orders and make people obey: authority (noun U)
I couldn't help him. I had no authority in the matter.
- to give official permission for sth: authorize sth, authorize sb to do sth
Who authorized this payment? ◎ I don't remember authorizing you to pay this amount.
- power when it is used indirectly, through example, fear, etc: influence (noun U); adjective: influential
I'm afraid I don't have much influence in this company. ◎ I find it very difficult to exert (= use) any kind of influence over my children. ◎ influential friends
- a person or thing that affects or changes sb/sth: influence (on sb/sth)
My mother was a big influence on my life.
- to have an influence on sb/sth: influence sb/sth
Who would you say has influenced you most in your life? ◎ The fact that she is my friend did not influence my decision at all.
- to have strong power or influence over sb/sth: dominate sb/sth; noun (U): domination (of/over sb/sth)
George dominated the discussion and soon got everyone to agree to his plan.
- having most power or influence: dominant; noun (U): dominance (of/over sb/sth)
the dominant influence in contemporary British art ◎ to establish dominance over neighbouring countries
※ using power
- the ability to organize, direct or guide sb/sth: control (of/over sb/sth)
I have been given complete control of the finance department. ◎ We have very little control over what happens to the weapons after they have been exported.
- to have the ability to organize, direct or guide sb/sth: control sb/sth, be in control (of sth), be in charge (of sb/sth)
He tries to control every detail of her working life. ◎ Who is in control of this organization? ◎ Chris was left in charge of the office while Mr Davies was on holiday.
- to stop sth becoming too much; to take steps to keep sth within limits: control sth
We are trying to control the number of tourists who visit the mountains.
- to control sth by using rules or laws: regulate sth
There are laws regulating the emission of smoke from factories.
- something which is done to control sth: control (on/over sth)
price controls
- to control people or a situation: direct sth
The rescue effort was directed by the Chief of Police.
- to control a business or a country: run* sth, manage sth; noun (U): management
Harry has been running things for ten years now. ◎ Kate manages a computer firm. ◎ the government's management of the economy
- to watch sb/sth to make sure they are working properly, etc: supervise sb/sth, oversee* sb/sth; noun (U): supervision
Jenkins' job was to supervise all the building work on the site. ◎ The teaching is being overseen by the director of studies. ◎ The new pupils will need close supervision for a few days.
※ more on management MANAGEMENT
- to cause sb to do sth that they do not want to do: force sb to do sth
She was forced to leave the country.
- to make sb accept sth that they do not want: impose sth (on sb)
I'm worried that some teachers are trying to impose their political views on children.
- to use power to make sth happen: enforce sth
enforced obedience
- to try to force sb to do sth: put* pressure on sb (to do sth)
Oliver's wife was putting pressure on him to apply for another job.
- to get or do what you want, although other people may want you to do sth else: get*/have your own way
At least I managed to get my own way over the colour of the new wallpaper!
※ not having power
- having little power: weak; noun (U): weakness
a weak leader
- having no power: powerless; noun (U): powerlessness
We were powerless to act.
- not having enough power or influence: (formal) impotent; noun (U): impotence
The government is quite impotent in this matter.
- to accept the power or control of sb/sth: give* in (to sb/sth), submit (to sb/sth)
The government refused to submit to the rebels' demands.
- impossible to control: out of control
Children who are bored can easily get out of control.
- not in your control: out of your hands
I'm sorry, but the matter is out of my hands.
※ using power badly
- to use your power in a wrong way: abuse sth; noun (C/U): abuse
to abuse a position of trust ◎ a flagrant abuse of power
※ getting and losing power
- to come to have control of sb/sth: take* control/charge (of sb/sth), (in the army, police, etc) take* command (of sb/sth)
The department was badly run until she took charge of it.
- to begin to use power or have a powerful position: take* sth over
Hijackers have taken over the plane.
- to stop having power or a powerful position: give* sth up, hand sth over, surrender sth
The military leader has had to hand over power to the people.
- an occasion, or a cause, of losing power after being very powerful: downfall
His own greed brought about his downfall.
|
|
