n.

1. possession of controlling influence;
   powerfulness
   
   • the deterrent power of nuclear weapons
   • the power of his love saved her
   • his powerfulness was concealed by a gentle facade
2. (physics) the rate of doing work; measured in watts (= joules/second)
3. possession of the qualities (especially mental qualities) required to do something or get something done;
   ability
   
   • danger heightened his powers of discrimination
4. a state powerful enough to influence events throughout the world;
   world power, major power, great power, superpower
5. (of a government or government official) holding an office means being in power;
   office
   
   • being in office already gives a candidate a great advantage
   • during his first year in office
   • during his first year in power
   • the power of the president
6. one possessing or exercising power or influence or authority;
   force
   
   • the mysterious presence of an evil power
   • may the force be with you
   • the forces of evil
7. physical strength;
   might, mightiness
8. a mathematical notation indicating the number of times a quantity is multiplied by itself;
   exponent, index
9. a very wealthy or powerful businessman;
   baron, big businessman, business leader, king, magnate, mogul, top executive, tycoon
   
   • an oil baron

v.

1. supply the force or power for the functioning of
   
   • The gasoline powers the engines