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; see en- ¹, able

Explanation

When you make something possible, you enable it. Your good grades might enable you to get into your first-choice college. And a great teacher enabled you to get such good grades. Enable has taken on the meaning of allowing or even helping someone continue to do something they really shouldn't. If your mother writes note after note to get you out of school for no good reason, she is enabling your habit of playing hooky. While you might think she's being cool, a therapist might call her an enabler and give her part of the blame.

Example Sentences

This should also enable the complete removal of hybrids from its balance sheet, he adds.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 11, 2026

Between 45 and 60 satellites will be needed to enable continuous satellite-internet coverage across its target markets, including the U.S. and Japan, according to the company.

From MarketWatch • May 11, 2026

Gun rights advocates have praised the proposed change, saying it will enable citizens to more easily ship handguns for repairs, for sports shooting on vacation and when relocating to a new address.

From Los Angeles Times • May 7, 2026

"Our immediate priority is to enable members of the electorate affected by the issue with the supplementary voter pack print run to exercise their democratic right."

From BBC • May 6, 2026

The stone I would have used in an attempt to drag back those who are at peace, rather than to enable my self-sacrifice, as you did.

From "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" by J.K. Rowling

Related Words

• empower
• facilitate
• implement
• permit
• set up