1.
to exert power; to wield influence; to show its force
To demonstrate or exercise great power, strength, or effectiveness.
台風が威力を振るった。
The typhoon showed its force.
この新しい洗剤は頑固な汚れにも威力を振るう。
This new detergent is effective even against stubborn stains.
彼はチームの中で威力を振るい、試合の流れを変えた。
He wielded his power within the team and changed the flow of the game.
威力 means power, might, or force. 振るう means to wield, brandish, or demonstrate. Together they express the idea of power being actively exercised or demonstrated. Can be used for natural forces (typhoons, earthquakes), tools and products (showing effectiveness), or people (wielding authority).
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 威力を発揮する: to demonstrate power (similar meaning, slightly more formal)
- 威力がある: to have power/force
- すさまじい威力: tremendous force
RELATED EXPRESSIONS:
- 力を振るう: to exercise power — more general
- 腕を振るう: to show one's skill — emphasizes demonstrating ability
- 猛威を振るう: to rage, to wreak havoc — stronger and more destructive
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 猛威を振るう: to rage, to run rampant — implies destructive, overwhelming force (diseases, storms)
- 権力を振るう: to wield authority — specifically about political or institutional power