firepower
UK[ˈfaɪəpaʊə(r)]US[ˈfaɪ(ə)rˌpaʊər]
n
The amount of weapons and ammunition that a military unit, ship, or aircraft can use against an enemy.
n
The resources, influence, or ability available for a particular purpose.
Morpheme Breakdown
fire
power
fire
to shoot
power
force
Etymology
The word 'firepower' is a modern military compound, first attested in the late 19th century, formed from two native English elements. 'Fire' extends its meaning from literal combustion to the discharge of weapons, a usage dating back to the era of firearms. 'Power' retains its core sense of capacity or force. The compound's logic is transparent: it literally denotes the "power to fire" or the "force generated by firing," quantifying the destructive capacity of a military force. Its application has broadened metaphorically to describe concentrated resources or capability in non-military contexts, such as in business or computing.
Analysis
Structure: fire (to shoot) + power (force)
fire: From Old English 'fȳr', meaning "fire, flame, conflagration". In this compound, it functions as a modifier meaning "from firearms" or "of shooting".
power: From Anglo-French 'poer', Old French 'povoir', meaning "ability, strength, might". It functions as the head noun, indicating the capacity or force.
Examples
The new battleship has significantly greater firepower than its predecessors.
The company strengthened its marketing firepower by hiring a top advertising agency.
The debate team lacked the intellectual firepower to counter their opponents' arguments.