What does superpower mean?
A superpower is an ability far beyond ordinary human limits, most often associated with the world of superheroes and comic-book characters. It may be a magical power such as invisibility, flight, or super-strength, although the word is also used figuratively for exceptional talents possessed by ordinary people. Someone who can solve a problem with startling ease, persuade others effortlessly, or remember information with unusual precision might jokingly be said to have such a superpower. The term became closely linked with superhero fiction during the early twentieth century and later entered broader cultural use. Today it carries both exciting and humorous associations: it can describe a dramatic fictional ability, an almost miraculous gift, or a personal strength that someone handles with unusual ease. Consequently, it is often used in promotional and everyday conversation to emphasize ingenuity, confidence, or an exceptional advantage rather than a strictly supernatural power.
nounAn extraordinary or supernatural power or ability possessed by someone. The term may also refer more broadly to any exceptional personal capability.
- An extraordinary or supernatural power or ability, especially one associated with fictional superheroes.
- An exceptional ability or capability possessed by an ordinary person.
"Her uncanny ability to remember every conversation she has ever heard was her most useful superpower."
"The hero used her superpower to shield the city from the approaching storm."
"A commander's ability to inspire an entire army is hardly a mere superpower."
The usual plural for two or more individual powers or abilities.
"The heroes combined their superpowers to defeat the villain."
The word made the leap from comic-book legend into everyday speech, where even an unusually good memory can earn the title of a superpower.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does superpower come from?
The word combines the Latin-derived prefix super-, meaning over, beyond, or to an excessive degree, with power, a word of Latin and French ancestry denoting ability or authority. The compound appeared in the early twentieth century and was popularized through the rapidly developing superhero genre. Its relatives superhero, supernatural, superior, and supreme share the same Latin prefix, though they developed independently or through different combinations.
Related word forms
How superpower is actually used
The word is especially common in superhero narratives and in informal or playful speech describing an unusual personal talent. It can suggest literal magical power, exceptional ability, or, humorously, an everyday advantage such as an unusually good memory.