enabling

[ en-ey-bling ]

/ ɛnˈeɪ blɪŋ /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR enabling ON THESAURUS.COM

adjective Law.

conferring new legal powers or capacities, especially by removing a disability; having the right to license or regulate: an enabling act; enabling power.

RELATED WORDS

permissive, sanctioning, facultative

Nearby words

Origin of enabling

First recorded in 1670–80; enable + -ing²

Definition for enabling (2 of 2)

enable

[ en-ey-buhl ]

/ ɛnˈeɪ bəl /

verb (used with object), en·a·bled, en·a·bling.

to make able; give power, means, competence, or ability to; authorize: This document will enable him to pass through the enemy lines unmolested.

to make possible or easy: Aeronautics enables us to overcome great distances.

to make ready; equip (often used in combination): web-enabled cell phones.

Origin of enable

Middle English word dating back to 1375–1425; see origin at en-¹, able

SYNONYMS FOR enable

1 empower, qualify, allow, permit.

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR enable ON THESAURUS.COM

Related formsen·a·bler, nounpre·en·a·ble, verb (used with object), pre·en·a·bled, pre·en·a·bling.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for enabling

Marrying yourself merely underscores selfishness and self-interest, rather than enabling you to live singly in the best way.
Why Singles Should Say ‘I Don’t’ to The Self-Marriage Movement|Tim Teeman|December 30, 2014|DAILY BEAST
They pioneered arena performances and electric light, enabling the first night performances.
We’re All Carnies Now: Why We Can’t Quit the Circus|Anthony Paletta|November 27, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The plan is to build a holistic cloud operating system for businesses and individuals, enabling a new generation of work and play.
Bill Gates’ Internet Doomsday Prophesy Comes True|Kyle Chayka|July 17, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Yet critics of the right to be forgotten argue that by removing Google search results, the law is enabling censorship.
Should We Have the Right to Be Forgotten Online?|Kyle Chayka|July 15, 2014|DAILY BEAST

This is what the larger Washington establishment has become: The enabling spouse of the drunk.
When Conservatives Cry Wolf|Michael Tomasky|February 10, 2014|DAILY BEAST
In this way an effective means is provided of releasing the lid and enabling the "Jack" to shoot out suddenly.
Toy-Making at Home|Morley Adams
It has often relieved the hunter for a short period, enabling him to crawl on to the water; but for days!
The Scalp Hunters|Mayne Reid
A narrow part of the ledge extends to the side of the fall and back of it, enabling us to approach it as closely as we wish.
The Yosemite|John Muir
The commissioners adjourned for the purpose of enabling evidence to be obtained as to the numbers.
The Journal of Negro History, Volume 5, 1920|Various
They give me delight in enabling me to see you; but they might betray my being here, and this were best unrevealed.
Amphitryon|Moliere

British Dictionary definitions for enabling

enable

/ (ɪnˈeɪbəl) /

verb (tr)

to provide (someone) with adequate power, means, opportunity, or authority (to do something)

to make possible

to put (a digital electronic circuit element) into an operative condition by supplying a suitable input pulse

Derived Formsenablement, nounenabler, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for enabling

enable

early 15c., "to make fit;" mid-15c., "to make able to," from en- (1) "make, put in" + able. Related: Enabled; enabling.

enabling

adjective Law.

RELATED CONTENT

RELATED WORDS

Nearby words

Origin of enabling

Definition for enabling (2 of 2)

enable

verb (used with object), en·a·bled, en·a·bling.

Origin of enable

Examples from the Web for enabling

British Dictionary definitions for enabling

enable

verb (tr)

Word Origin and History for enabling

enable