powerlifting[ˈpawə(ɹ)ˌlɪftɪŋ]EtymologyFrom power + lifting.nounA strength sport, consisting of three events: the squat, the bench press, and the deadlift. The maximum weight lifted in each event is totalled for a final score.“For the first several years of my exclusive career in powerlifting, I couldn't bench too well.”A strength parasport, consisting of a single-rep benchpress.