enable

[ en-ey-buhl ]

verb (used with object)

, en·a·bled, en·a·bling.

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

Derived Forms

• enˈabler, noun
• enˈablement, noun

Other Words From

• en·a·bler noun
• pre·en·a·ble verb (used with object) preenabled preenabling

Word History and Origins

Origin of enable¹

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

Example Sentences

I saw it differently: Baker enabled Reagan to compromise with congressional Democrats and accomplish what he never could have as a conservative ideologue.

From Los Angeles Times

To compile their data and enable high-resolution planning, the researchers relied on a variety of sources that had not previously been integrated.

From Science Daily

The new norms will enable standardised grip strength test results for cross- and within-country comparisons, to identify trends over time, monitor improvements and evaluate the effectiveness of implemented public health policies.

From Science Daily

These capabilities enable the use of such drones in inspection, disaster mitigation, and delivery in confined areas.

From Science Daily

Smartphone videos and amateur photos captured the event, enabling scientists to combine public data with their own research and study the phenomenon.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• empower
• facilitate
• implement
• permit
• set up