powered

"Powered" is an adjective and the past tense/past participle form of the verb "to power." It has a few closely related but distinct uses that are worth knowing — mainly describing what gives something its energy, or the act of supplying that energy.

1adjectivedriven by a specific energy source

When something is 'powered by' something, it means that thing is what makes it run or work. Think of it like fuel for a machine — whatever keeps it going is what it is 'powered by.'

everyday language, technology, engineering · Modern, widely used

This car is powered by electricity, so it never needs gasoline.

The remote control is powered by two AA batteries.

The whole village is powered by solar panels on the rooftops.

2adjectivehaving a motor or engine (as a modifier)

You will often see 'powered' attached to another word to describe a machine or vehicle that uses a motor or engine, as opposed to something manual or human-driven. It tells you the thing is not operated by hand alone.

everyday language, engineering · Modern, widely used

They used a powered drill instead of a manual screwdriver to save time.

A powered wheelchair helps people move around without using their arms.

The powered boat crossed the lake in minutes.

3verbto supply energy to something (past tense)

As the past tense of 'to power,' this means something supplied the energy needed to make a machine or system work. You are describing the action of giving something the energy it needs to run.

everyday language, science, engineering · Modern, widely used

The generator powered the entire building during the blackout.

Wind turbines powered thousands of homes along the coast.

A small nuclear reactor powered the submarine for years.

4verbfigurativeto move with great force or speed (past tense)

In this sense, 'powered' describes moving somewhere with a lot of energy and force — like pushing hard through something. It is often used in sports or action contexts to show strength and determination.

sports, everyday language · Modern, widely used · figurative

She powered through the finish line and won the race.

He powered his way through the crowd to reach the exit.

The swimmer powered through the water with strong, steady strokes.