empower

em·pow·er

transitive verb \im-ˈpau̇(-ə)r\

Definition of EMPOWER

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

Examples of EMPOWER

1. seeking changes in the workplace that will empower women
2. <the federal agency empowered to collect taxes>

First Known Use of EMPOWER

1648

Related to EMPOWER

Synonyms

accredit, certify, charter [British], commission, authorize, enable, invest, license (also licence), qualify, vest, warrant

Antonyms

disqualify

Related Words

approve, clear, credential, endorse (also indorse), OK (or okay), sanction; affirm, confirm, validate; inaugurate, induct, initiate, install, instate, swear in; allow, let, permit; enfranchise, entitle, privilege

Near Antonyms

ban, bar, block, constrain, deny, disallow, disbar, discourage, disenfranchise, disfranchise, exclude, hinder, hold back, impede, inhibit, obstruct, prevent, shut out, stop; enjoin, forbid, interdict, outlaw, prohibit, proscribe, veto

Rhymes with EMPOWER

bell tower, black power, disk flower, fire tower, great power, Great Stour, half hour, H hour, ray flower, rush hour, sea power, state flower, war power, world power