enable

[en-ey-buhl]

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.

enable

/ 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

Other Word Forms

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of enable¹

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

Example Sentences

“Low-cost, large-scale battery energy storage has emerged as the most immediate and scalable solution to enable AI factory deployment and unlock stranded grid and generation capacity,” Redwood said in a statement.

Read more on MarketWatch

This is enabling Fervo and a handful of other companies to demonstrate that it is possible to dig deeper into solid granite than ever before.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Nord Stream had long been contentious for enabling Russian gas to bypass eastern European transit routes and leaving Germany overly reliant on cheap energy from Moscow.

Read more on Barron's

This is known as a 'power step' and her execution of this technique enabled her to dive impressively towards the corner, covering much of the goal.

Read more on BBC

But the missiles do enable Kyiv to expand its attacks inside Russia.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• empower 
• facilitate 
• implement 
• permit 
• set up