Definition of superpowers Superpowers

/suˌpɚpawˈɚz/ - [superpawerz] -

We found 3 definitions of superpowers from 2 different sources.

What does superpowers mean?

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Noun
superpower - a state powerful enough to influence events throughout the world
		world power, major power, great power, power
		body politic, res publica, commonwealth, nation, country, state, land a world organization of autonomous states that are united in allegiance to a central power but are not subordinate to it or to one another

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superpower (Noun)
Obsolete usage Electricity generated in a large plant that is tied into a regional network, on a larger scale than was common in the early years of commercial electricity production.
superpower (Noun)
Excessive or superior power.
superpower (Noun)
A sovereign state with dominant status on the globe and a very advanced military, especially the Soviet Union or United States .
superpower (Noun)
A fictional extraordinary physical or mental ability, especially possessed by a superhero or supervillain.

A superpower is a country that is one of the most powerful countries in the world. It is more powerful than a major power.

In the years following World War II, the United Nations was formed. The 5 countries that had nuclear bombs - those who were able to start a nuclear war - were all given "permanent" seats on the Security Council. This means they are on the Security Council forever. They were also all given equal veto power over decisions in the Security Council. These five countries were: United States, United Kingdom, China, France, and the Soviet Union.

After the Soviet Union split into a lot of smaller countries in 1991, Russia got most of their nuclear weapons, and also their permanent seat in the Security Council. Some other countries have also got nuclear weapons now, and can also start a nuclear war just as well, but they are not permanent members with veto power. The Republic of India and Pakistan are two countries like this.