Power is the ability to make things happen or to control what happens. A person with power can influence events, make decisions that affect others, or accomplish difficult tasks. A president has the power to sign laws, a teacher has the power to assign homework, and a strong athlete has the power to lift heavy weights.

The word appears in many contexts with slightly different shades of meaning. Physical power means strength or energy: a powerful engine can pull a heavy train, and a powerful wave can knock you over at the beach. Electrical power runs your computer and lights your home. When scientists talk about power, they often mean how quickly work gets done or energy gets used.

Political power means having authority or influence over others. A king has power over his kingdom, while a popular student might have social power among classmates. Power can come from different sources: some people have power because of their position (like a principal), others because of their knowledge (like a doctor), and still others because people respect and listen to them.

The word carries an important tension. Power itself isn't good or bad; what matters is how someone uses it. A person with power can protect others and make positive changes, or they can abuse that power by being unfair or cruel. Learning to handle power responsibly, whether it's the power of being a team captain or the power of knowing something others don't, is part of growing up.

As a verb, power means to supply energy to something or to drive it forward. Electricity powers a phone, and a motor can power a boat.