enable

verb

en·​able i-ˈnā-bəl 

enabled; enabling i-ˈnā-b(ə-)liŋ 

transitive verb

1

a

: to provide with the means or opportunity

training that enables people to earn a living

b

: to make possible, practical, or easy

a deal that would enable passage of a new law

c

: to cause to operate

software that enables the keyboard

2

: to give legal power, capacity, or sanction to

a law enabling admission of a state

Did you know?

Enabling: The Behavior of an Enabler

Enable has a number of senses, most of which are some variant on allowing someone (or something, such as enabling cookies on a computer) to do something. In the past several decades, enable has also started to take on a new associated sense in the field of addiction studies, where enabling is viewed as giving misguided support to a person with some substance-abuse issue. A person who facilitates the self-destructive behavior of another is referred to as an enabler.

Synonyms

• allow
• empower
• let
• permit

Examples of enable in a Sentence

The machine enables us to create copies without losing quality.

The system enables students to access class materials online.

These choices are part of what enabled the company to be successful.

a filing system that enables easy access to information

Be sure to enable your computer's firewall.

Recent Examples on the Web

Shown in unprecedented resolution, Webb's imagery has enabled scientists to better study star formation in the outer Milky Way, astronomer Natsuko Izumi, who led a study with the latest findings, said in a statement. —Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 17 Sep. 2024

This enables your team members to craft their own paths, not be passively shoehorned into an ill-fitting role that stunts their performance (and the company’s). —Pat McKenna, Forbes, 16 Sep. 2024

If that’s not possible, the next best thing would be to video chat with him, which would enable you to meet face-to-face from time to time. —Jeanne Phillips, The Mercury News, 16 Sep. 2024

That dry-sump oil system also enables a slightly elevated maximum engine speed of 7,650 rpm, up 100 rpm from the previous 5.2-liter V8 maximum, Ford said. —Adrienne Roberts, Detroit Free Press, 16 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

enable

verb

en·​able in-ˈā-bəl 

enabled; enabling -b(ə-)liŋ 

1

a

: to make able

glasses enable you to read

b

: to make possible, practical, or easy

2

: to give legal power or permission to