enable

American  

[en-ey-buhl] / ɛnˈeɪ bəl /

verb (used with object)

enabled, enabling

1. to make able; give power, means, competence, or ability to: Students with vision impairments are enabled in the classroom with magnifiers and screen reader software.

   This document will enable him to pass through the enemy lines unmolested.

   Students with vision impairments are enabled in the classroom with magnifiers and screen reader software.

   Synonyms:

   permit , allow , qualify , empower

2. to make possible or easy.

   Aeronautics enables us to overcome great distances.

3. to encourage or support (the bad or dysfunctional behavior) of (someone): You enable drug users when you shield them from the consequences of their actions.

   The university enabled years of abuse by ignoring complaints against the coach.

   You enable drug users when you shield them from the consequences of their actions.

4. Digital Technology.

   1. to make (a device, system, or feature) active or functional; turn on.

      The automatic snapshot feature is enabled by default.

   2. to equip for an extended, peripheral, or premium use.

      to enable your laptop for wireless internet access.

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enable British  

/ ɪnˈeɪbəl /

verb

1. to provide (someone) with adequate power, means, opportunity, or authority (to do something)

2. to make possible

3. to put (a digital electronic circuit element) into an operative condition by supplying a suitable input pulse

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Other Word Forms

• enablement noun
• enabler noun
• preenable verb (used with object)

Etymology

Origin of enable

First recorded in 1375–1425; Middle English; en- ¹, able

Example Sentences

Sallam continued: "High-resolution CT scans and 3D surface models enabled us to reveal unprecedented anatomical details."

From Science Daily

It will also enable claimants to launch a case on their own, as opposed to the previous system where both the claimant and the current holder of the disputed property had to agree to arbitration.

From Barron's

The companies said they will collaborate to enable virtual design, testing and validation through the use of “digital twins”—simulations of physical processes—for industries such as semiconductor, robotics, aerospace, automotive, energy, and healthcare.

From Barron's

The remaining jets require an additional hardware change to enable the software upgrade.

From The Wall Street Journal

Dragon Hatchling imbues AI with memory that large language models can’t match, according to Pathway, theoretically enabling a new class of continuously learning, adaptive AI systems.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• empower
• facilitate
• implement
• permit
• set up