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

SpaceX has its existing business on its side, too: The company essentially invented reusable rockets, dramatically lowering the cost of reaching space and enabling the entire modern-day space economy.

From Barron's

Smart glasses enable the wearer to access information and apps similar to those on a smart phone including using maps, listening to music, and recording video.

From BBC

"It will enable us to discover medicines more efficiently," he says.

From BBC

On Wednesday, the U.S. said it had “selectively” rolled back sanctions to enable the transport and sale of Venezuelan crude and oil products to global markets.

From MarketWatch

“As we make progress with the government, we will enable the import of parts, equipment and services, to prevent the industry from collapsing, stabilize the production,” he said.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• empower
• facilitate
• implement
• permit
• set up