power press: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2/Term of ArtFormal, Technical
Quick answer
What does “power press” mean?
A large, powerful mechanical press, typically hydraulic or pneumatic, used to shape, form, or cut materials by applying significant force.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A large, powerful mechanical press, typically hydraulic or pneumatic, used to shape, form, or cut materials by applying significant force.
Can refer to a state, organization, or media outlet (the press) that holds significant political or social influence. This is a secondary, metaphorical use.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
As a technical term, identical. In the extended journalistic sense, the phrase is used more commonly in American political commentary.
Connotations
Technical: Neutral. Metaphorical: Often implies concentrated, potentially unchecked or manipulative influence.
Frequency
Primarily a technical/industrial term. The metaphorical use is niche, appearing in political analysis.
Grammar
How to Use “power press” in a Sentence
[The] + power press + [verb] + [object] (e.g., The power press stamped the sheet metal).Use + [determiner] + power press + to + [verb] (e.g., Use the power press to form the bracket).Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “power press” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The apprentice was trained to power-press the components safely.
American English
- They will power-press the hood panel in the new facility.
adverb
British English
- The metal was shaped power-press quickly (highly unnatural).
American English
- (No standard adverbial use exists.)
adjective
British English
- The power-press operator wore protective gear.
American English
- We followed the power-press safety protocol.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Discussing manufacturing capabilities, capital equipment purchases.
Academic
Engineering, industrial design, and materials science papers.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Standard term in manufacturing, metalworking, and fabrication.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “power press”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “power press”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “power press”
- Using 'power press' to mean a very strong journalist (incorrect). Confusing it with 'printing press'. Using 'powerful press' as a synonym (it describes a type, not its strength).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A power press is for shaping/cutting metal or materials. A printing press is for applying ink to paper.
Rarely and only in very technical jargon (e.g., 'to power-press a component'). It is not standard English.
The immense force and speed can cause severe injury, so proper guarding and training are critical.
It likens a media conglomerate or political entity to a machine that powerfully 'stamps' its influence onto public opinion.
A large, powerful mechanical press, typically hydraulic or pneumatic, used to shape, form, or cut materials by applying significant force.
Power press is usually formal, technical in register.
Power press: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpaʊə(r) ˌpres/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpaʊɚ ˌpres/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To run something through the power press (literal, not idiomatic).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: POWER (needs electricity/hydraulics) + PRESS (to squash or shape). It's not a hand tool; it's a powerful machine for pressing.
Conceptual Metaphor
PRESSING IS SHAPING/FORMING (technical); INFLUENCE IS A PHYSICAL FORCE (metaphorical).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would 'power press' be LEAST appropriate?