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

Ultimately, you will need to choose between higher power and a more versatile, portable pad, so keep in mind whether you’re buying it to keep your laptop from melting or to stay comfortable.

From Popular-Science

So when my teenage son innocently asked me about God the other day and told me that he believed there must be some higher power, I sort of lost my cool, then instantly regretted my behavior.

From Washington Post

A woman who was powerless in the face of murderous force is endowed with the higher power of dignity and self-possession.

From Washington Post

There is a moment in the creative process that can feel sort of divine, where there’s a higher power.

From The Daily Beast

When considering different wattages in a toaster oven, it’s important to take into account what you’re aiming to heat or cook and whether or not you have wiggle room in your electricity bill to upgrade to a unit with higher power.

From Popular-Science

Hershel also believes that a higher power has destined Rick for greatness.

From The Daily Beast

His faith in a higher power helped his fear subside as he patiently waited to be rescued.

From The Daily Beast

Refuge Recovery is a lot like an AA meeting minus mentions of Him, God, or a higher Power.

From The Daily Beast

Add Jews and Muslims to the mix, and a monotheistic belief in a sentient higher power is practically universal in the U.S.

From The Daily Beast

The higher power has many names -- daylight, conqueror, monarch.

From The Daily Beast

It seemed so, for all control was gone; a higher power had seized the reins.

From Project Gutenberg

We wish to remind our people that there is a higher Power which controls the affairs of men.

From Project Gutenberg

From him an appeal lies to a chief of higher power; and from him to some superior, higher still.

From Project Gutenberg

In other words, irresponsible leadership was tolerated because responsibility was supposed to exist to a Higher Power.

From Project Gutenberg

Bell deciding for it at once, and Juno hesitating until she had heard from a higher power than Katy.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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