Firepower: meaning, definitions and examples

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firepower

[ˈfaɪərˌpaʊər ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

military

Firepower refers to the military capability to deliver firepower to a target. It is often measured in terms of the number of weapons and their effectiveness. Firepower can include artillery, missiles, machine guns, and other weapons.

Synonyms

armament, firearm, ordnance.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
firepower	Used to describe the amount of destructive power a military unit or weapon can deliver. It's often used in the context of comparison or strategy. The new tank has significantly more firepower than its predecessor. We need to increase our firepower to hold this position.
armament	Used to refer to the weapons and military equipment possessed by a military or given to a soldier. It can be used in a general sense to describe any kind of military weaponry. The army's armament was upgraded with the latest missile systems. The ship was equipped with heavy armament for defense purposes.
firearm	Used to refer specifically to a portable gun, such as a rifle or pistol. It's commonly used in legal, safety, and hunting contexts. He was arrested for possessing an unregistered firearm. The hunter checked his firearm before heading into the woods.
ordnance	Used in the military context to refer to heavy weaponry and explosives. It can also refer to military supplies, including bombs, missiles, and other heavy weaponry. The soldiers were trained to handle different types of ordnance. Clearing the area of unexploded ordnance is a top priority.

Examples of usage

Despite being outnumbered, the army had superior firepower.
The tanks provided the necessary firepower to break through enemy lines.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

figurative

Firepower can also be used figuratively to describe the strength or effectiveness of something, such as an argument, a campaign, or a team.

Synonyms

effectiveness, impact, strength.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
firepower	Typically used in military or combat-related contexts to describe the amount of destructive force a weapon or a group of weapons can deliver. The tank has incredible firepower, capable of taking down buildings. The firepower of the naval fleet ensured victory in the battle.
strength	Used to describe both physical power and also metaphorically to describe mental resilience, durability, or the robustness of something. Her physical strength allowed her to lift the heavy weights with ease. The strength of the building's structure was tested during the earthquake.
impact	Often used in contexts related to the influence or strong effect something has on a situation, person, or environment. The new policy had a significant impact on the local economy. His speech made a profound impact on the audience.
effectiveness	Used in general contexts to describe how well something achieves its intended outcome or goal. The effectiveness of the new drug was proven in clinical trials. Her methods in teaching are praised for their effectiveness.

Examples of usage

The candidate's speech had a lot of firepower and convinced many voters.
The team's new coach brought a lot of firepower to the game.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'firepower' combines 'fire,' referring to the use of weapons, and 'power,' indicating strength or capacity.
Emerging in military terminology in the early 20th century, it was primarily used to describe artillery strength.
The concept has evolved to include a variety of weapon systems beyond just guns into modern military discussions.

Military Strategy

Firepower is a key component in military strategy, influencing tactics in combat operations and the outcomes of battles.
Superior firepower can deter adversaries without direct conflict, as seen in the doctrine of deterrence during the Cold War.
Modern warfare often emphasizes 'combined arms,' where different types of units, including infantry and tanks, maximize their firepower together.

Pop Culture

Firepower has been a common theme in action movies and video games, often depicting epic battles with dramatic weaponry.
In famous franchises like 'Call of Duty' and 'Halo,' firepower is a central gameplay mechanic, emphasizing fire intensity and strategy.
Music and art have also depicted firepower, reflecting societal views on war and strength, seen in protest art against military aggression.

Science and Technology

Advancements in technology have dramatically increased firepower, with drones and precision-guided munitions now changing the battlefield landscape.
Research in materials science helps create lighter, more powerful weapons, enhancing military capabilities significantly.
The growth of cyber warfare has introduced non-physical forms of firepower, demonstrating how information can be a potent weapon.

Psychology

The perception of firepower can influence national pride and identity, as countries invest heavily in military capabilities.
Studies show that a strong military presence can affect public opinion and political stability within a nation.
The fear and awe associated with advanced firepower can lead to psychological warfare, impacting both enemies and allies.

Translations

Translations of the word "firepower" in other languages:

🇵🇹 potência de fogo

🇮🇳 आग्नेय शक्ति

🇩🇪 Feuerkraft

🇮🇩 kekuatan tembakan

🇺🇦 вогнева міць

🇵🇱 siła ognia

🇯🇵 火力

🇫🇷 puissance de feu

🇪🇸 potencia de fuego

🇹🇷 ateş gücü

🇰🇷 화력

🇸🇦 قوة نارية

🇨🇿 palebná síla

🇸🇰 palebná sila

🇨🇳 火力

🇸🇮 ognjena moč

🇮🇸 eldkraft

🇰🇿 от қаруы

🇬🇪 ცეცხლის ძალა

🇦🇿 atəş gücü

🇲🇽 potencia de fuego