puissance

[ pyoo-uh-suhns, pyoo-is-uhns, pwis-uhns ]

noun

, Literary.

1. power, might, or force.

puissance

/ ˈpjuːɪsəns; ˈpwiːsɑːns /

noun

1. a competition in showjumping that tests a horse's ability to jump a limited number of large obstacles
2. archaic.
   power

Word History and Origins

Origin of puissance¹

1375–1425; late Middle English < Middle French, equivalent to puiss ( ant ) puissant + -ance -ance

Word History and Origins

Origin of puissance¹

C15: from Old French; see puissant

Example Sentences

That in turn means that a pet phrase of Mr. Macron’s — “Europe puissance,” or “European power” — is no longer a pipe dream.

From New York Times

The reboot arrives at the peak of reggaeton’s pop puissance, and rightfully incorporates a lot more of the genre and its offshoots — Latin trap included.

From Washington Post

And the Brexit divorce still galls, making it harder for the two small nations that always projected power way beyond their size to show puissance, a favorite Shakespearean word from the history plays.

From New York Times

Thus, the interviewer knew when to let the tension do the talking instead of probing wounds until they bled, demonstrating the puissance of eloquent silence.

From Salon

Brandi Carlile, tearing through her song “The Joke” with folk puissance, was the most emotional and the all-around best performer of the night.

From The New Yorker