enable
Americanverb (used with object)
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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.
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to make possible or easy.
Aeronautics enables us to overcome great distances.
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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.
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Digital Technology.
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to make (a device, system, or feature) active or functional; turn on.
The automatic snapshot feature is enabled by default.
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to equip for an extended, peripheral, or premium use.
to enable your laptop for wireless internet access.
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verb
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to provide (someone) with adequate power, means, opportunity, or authority (to do something)
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to make possible
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to put (a digital electronic circuit element) into an operative condition by supplying a suitable input pulse
Other Word Forms
- enablement noun
- enabler noun
- preenable verb (used with object)
Etymology
Origin of enable
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
These techniques can enable materials to behave in surprising ways – but finding useful applications for them has long been a challenge.
From BBC
The military has also suspended a trusted traveler program that enables specified individuals to enter bases without obtaining visitors’ passes.
From Los Angeles Times
The transformation of his body enabled him to transform his game as he progressively improved his combination of physicality and skill.
From Los Angeles Times
All Brewdog bars were closed on Monday to enable staff to attend staff meetings and to comply with licensing issues.
From BBC
But a public sale enabling many to participate and demonstrate the “true market value” of these objects is what Irsay would have wanted, she added.
From Los Angeles Times
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
