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

Its focus is more on providing its users with enhanced privacy and security than unblocking streaming sites or enabling video game latency cheats.

From Salon

Instead, it warns that the growing use of algorithmic tools to analyze workers’ personal data can enable pay practices that prioritize cost-cutting over transparency or fairness.

From MarketWatch

The PM was asked if the UK was heading towards rejoining the EU single market, which enables goods, service and people to move freely between member states, with countries applying many common rules and standards.

From BBC

Natalie said they hoped to be able to hold more sessions in future, subject to funding, and they would look at holding them later in the day to enable more professionals, including hairdressers, to attend.

From BBC

The dialysis chain operator’s India-based cost advantage enables competitive pricing while maintaining quality standards.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• empower
• facilitate
• implement
• permit
• set up