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

Yet in a post on X, Sam Altman wrote: “I don’t expect them to go any easier on us, am sure I’ll do my part to help enable that with occasional stupid decisions.”

From MarketWatch • Apr. 3, 2026

“Unique ballot envelope identifiers, such as bar codes, enable confirmation that only citizens receive and cast ballots, reducing the risk of fraud and protecting the integrity of Federal elections.”

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 31, 2026

This would "enable Syrians to contribute to the reconstruction of their homeland without giving up the stability and lives they have built here, for those who wish to stay", Sharaa said.

From BBC • Mar. 30, 2026

Altman also was working with then-Disney CEO Iger on a deal to enable the entertainment giant’s fans to bring their favorite characters to life with AI through Sora.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 2026

Two Theoretical Results A large part of the attraction of probability theory is the immediacy and intuitive appeal of its practical problems and of the simple principles which enable us to solve many of them.

From "Innumeracy: Mathematical Illiteracy and Its Consequences" by John Allen Paulos

Related Words

• empower
• facilitate
• implement
• permit
• set up