macht

• magt (obsolete)

From Middle Dutch macht, from Old Dutch *maht, from Proto-West Germanic *mahti, from Proto-Germanic *mahtiz, corresponding to *maganą + *-þiz.

• Audio

  (file)

• IPA^(key): /mɑxt/
• Hyphenation: macht
• Rhymes: -ɑxt

macht f (plural machten, diminutive machtje n)

1. political power, control

   Antonyms: onmacht, machteloosheid

2. power, might, capability

   Synonym: vermogen

3. a power in international politics

   Synonym: mogendheid

4. a military force, such as an army
5. (mathematics) power (of multiplication)
6. (Christianity) power (type of angel, ranking above archangel)

• Although it is a cognate to the English word "might", macht typically refers to rulership or effective power rather than physical capabilities or positive qualities. For example: in English, the phrase "a mighty king" will likely evoke the image of an effective, virtuous or strong ruler. In Dutch, however, the etymologically equivalent phrase "een machtige koning" can simply refer to a king with many resources under his control. Historically, macht referred to one's power over their body and mind. See also Kraft vs. Macht.

• Afrikaans: mag
• Negerhollands: macht, magt
• Skepi Creole Dutch: makt
• → Aukan: makiti
• → Caribbean Javanese: makti

• IPA^(key): [maxt]

• Audio

  (file)

macht

1. third-person singular present of machen

   Der Künstler macht ein Bild.

   The artist creates a picture.

2. inflection of machen:
   1. second-person plural present
   2. plural imperative