Phrase guide

stopping power

noun · 3 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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No pronunciation record was provided for this word.

1

noun

Meaning 1

The ability of a weapon (typically a firearm or other ranged weapon) to rapidly incapacitate or immobilize a target.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: uncountable

Examples

  • Troops in the Philippines preferred the .45 over the .38 because of its greater stopping power against charging tribesmen.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

noun

Meaning 2

A research measure that captures a print advertisement's ability to grab the attention of the reader; also known as the attention rating.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: uncountable

Topics: advertising, business, marketing

Examples

  • The Victoria's Secret ad's racy image generated strong stopping power ratings.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

noun

Meaning 3

The retarding force exerted on a high-energy particle by interactions with the medium through which it passes.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: particle, uncountable

Topics: natural-sciences, physical-sciences, physics

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.