empower

[em-pou-er]

verb (used with object)

1. to give power pow power or authority to; authorize, especially by legal or official means.

   I empowered my agent to make the deal for me. The local ordinance empowers the board of health to close unsanitary restaurants.

   Synonyms: qualify, license, commission, warrant

2. to enable or permit.

   Wealth empowered him to live a comfortable life.

empower

/ ɪmˈpaʊə /

verb

1. to give or delegate power or authority to; authorize

2. to give ability to; enable or permit

Other Word Forms

• empowerment noun
• unempowered adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of empower¹

First recorded in 1645–55; em- ¹ + power

Example Sentences

The battleship and the maxim gun, not the English countryside, empowered the Victorian imperialists.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

George emphasizes that the company’s focus is on empowering its creative teams to use AI as a catalyst for creation, rather than its substitute.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Foodstock founder Paul Doherty said it will "tackle the longer impacts of poverty through education" and will "empower people to better their lives".

Read more on BBC

"Small changes can impact sleep. That is empowering -- better rest is within your control."

Read more on Science Daily

In honor of Joaquín, the couple formed Change the Ref, an organization dedicated to raising awareness about mass shootings and empowering the next generation of activists through “creativity, activism, disruption and education.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• allow 
• entitle 
• entrust 
• grant 
• legitimize 
• permit 
• vest