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

This includes allowing virtual attendance at court and enabling the documents in criminal cases to be signed and sent digitally.

From BBC

This Trumpist fulfillment is largely enabled by a supine Republican Congress and a Supreme Court that is seemingly eager to codify it.

From Salon

JLR says this will enable them to get funding up to 120 days earlier than normal.

From BBC

The pair, who are taking bookings for 2026, say they are looking at converting some of the other barns on the property into accommodation to enable whole wedding parties to stay.

From BBC

This enabled the growth in renewable generation in China to outpace rising electricity demand and helped reduce its fossil fuel generation by 2%.

From BBC

Related Words

• empower 
• facilitate 
• implement 
• permit 
• set up