The Word is the Saber

Why is that the word is such a powerful force?
Whether it is spoken or written the word has the power of influence.
A single word is a collection of characters that we identify to have a meaning.
Yet over time a single word can become construed in an instant.
Yet the word is still constructed with the same characters, but means something entirely different.
Is a good thing for words to change their meaning, or is it a negative?
A collection of words however, has just as much power.
Although, it would appear that society focuses more so on the single word.
For unlike a phrase, a single word can haunt the mind longer and cause those affected to dwell upon its meaning.
What gives a single word more power over a phrase?
The speaker gives the word its power and how they say it will affect how one perceives that word.