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

"We work hard to include vegetables like sweet peppers, onion and potatoes. This enables us to improve the taste and the nutritional value."

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The process has undermined the public markets’ core purpose: enabling hardworking Americans to create long-term wealth.

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This development, described in Nature Communications, enables types of experiments that were not previously possible.

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Ultimately the poor communication between the four Liverpool players in the middle of the box, including Salah's failure to pick up a man, enabled Forest to score.

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This outcome demonstrated how essential CD28 is for enabling the helpful actions of these cells.

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Related Words

• empower 
• facilitate 
• implement 
• permit 
• set up