enabling

[en-ey-bling]

adjective

Law.

1. conferring additional legal powers or capacities, especially by removing a barrier to action, suspending required permission, or relaxing oversight: enabling power.

   an enabling act;

   enabling power.

Word History and Origins

Origin of enabling¹

First recorded in 1670–80; enable + -ing ²

Example Sentences

"The enabling silence among critics fearful of retributions is already prevalent."

From BBC

Asked whether China was now enabling North Korea's nuclear weapons programme, Lee said it was "impossible to know", but based on his current knowledge this was not his understanding.

From BBC

France's Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said the arrest had been made possible by President Macron's decision to recognise an independent Palestinian state, enabling an extradition request.

From BBC

The government says it has strengthened powers by enabling plain clothes officers to inspect Blue Badges and confiscate those being used misused.

From BBC

She also thanked Prime Video for supporting her vision for the story and enabling her to share the final chapter with fans.

From BBC

Related Words

• permissive