higher power

or High·er Pow·er

[ hahy-er pou-er ]

noun

1. a deity or another powerful but unknowable force, conceptualized variously as the Supreme Being, nature, the universe, invisible energy, etc., to which appeals or prayers may be directed, or in the context of which explanations of life and circumstances may be imagined:

   Trust that a higher power is guiding you, especially in this dark period—diamonds are created under pressure, after all.

2. God ( def 1 ):

   We ask the Creator, our Higher Power, for wisdom in these times.

Word History and Origins

Origin of higher power¹

First recorded in 1550–70; indirect reference to God

Example Sentences

San Diego resident Debbie Black, 68, also called to a higher power for strength throughout the postseason.

From Los Angeles Times

With a windup in which he would look skyward almost as if he sought guidance from a higher power, he won his first eight starts — five by shutout — shocking longtime baseball observers.

From Los Angeles Times

Trump said he was "very lucky" and reiterated a recent claim that a higher power kept him alive.

From Salon

“It’s like this higher power vibrating in that room, knowing all these women have your back.”

From Los Angeles Times

It was clear that Vance’s return home was less about uplifting the “hillbillies” he had whitesplained to the liberal bubble with his memoir and more about seeking higher power.

From Slate

Related Words

• church
• creed
• cult
• denomination
• doctrine
• morality
• myth
• mythology
• prayer
• ritual
• sect
• spirituality
• superstition
• theology