high-powered
|high-pow-ered|
🇺🇸
/ˌhaɪˈpaʊərd/
🇬🇧
/ˌhaɪˈpaʊəd/
very powerful/high-performance
Etymology
'high-powered' is a modern English compound formed from 'high' + 'powered' (the adjectival/past-participle form of 'power') to describe something possessing great power or performance.
'high' comes from Old English 'hēah' meaning 'tall' or 'high'; 'power' entered English via Old French (e.g. 'pouvoir'/'poeir') and Middle English 'power'; adding the past-participle/adjectival suffix '-ed' produced 'powered', and the compound 'high-powered' arose in modern usage (especially 20th century) to describe engines, equipment, and later people or events.
Originally used in a literal sense to describe machines or devices with high power, it broadened to figurative uses meaning very influential, energetic, or effective.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
having a lot of mechanical power or high performance (often of machines, engines, weapons, or equipment).
The company developed a high-powered engine for the new sports car.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Adjective 2
very influential, effective, or energetic (often describing people, teams, meetings, or organizations).
She was invited to a high-powered conference of industry leaders.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/11/08 09:37