authority and force; military might
Refers to power backed by force or military strength, often with a dignified or imposing nuance. Somewhat literary or formal.
The general ruled the country with authority and force.
His speech conveyed a sense of authority and power.
Composed of 威 (authority, dignity) and 武 (military, force). The combination is a classical Chinese-derived compound (kango) conveying the concept of dignified power backed by military strength.