war powers

American  

plural noun

1. the powers exercised by the president or by Congress during a war or a crisis affecting national security.

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Etymology

Origin of war powers

First recorded in 1760–70

Example Sentences

This is similar to the constitutional argument in other war powers resolutions.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

On a special Slate Plus extra episode of Amicus, Mark Joseph Stern spoke with Eugene Fidell about Trump’s startling claim of unilateral war powers.

From Slate • Mar. 2, 2026

Representatives Ro Khanna, D-Calif., and Thomas Massie, R-Ky., are looking to force a vote on a war powers resolution.

From Salon • Feb. 19, 2026

The contrast of this language with the war powers given to Congress and the president is stark and intentional.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 5, 2025

"No use o' huntin' rebels with a brass band," said Si, who, since his association with Mr. Rosenbaum, had gotten some idea that stealth and cunning were efficient war powers.

From Si Klegg, Book 3 (of 6) Si And Shorty Meet Mr. Rosenbaum, The Spy, Who Relates His Adventures by McElroy, John