Main Entry: em·pow·er

Pronunciation: \im-ˈpau̇(-ə)r\

Function: transitive verb

Date: 1648

1 : to give official authority or legal power to <empowered her attorney to act on her behalf>
2 : enable 1a
3 : to promote the self-actualization or influence of <women's movement has been inspiring and empowering women — Ron Hansen>

— em·pow·er·ment \-mənt\ noun