enable

play

verb en·able \i-ˈnā-bəl\

Simple Definition of enable

: to make (someone or something) able to do or to be something
: to make (something) possible, practical, or easy
: to cause (a feature or capability of a computer) to be active or available for use

Source: Merriam-Webster's Learner's Dictionary

Full Definition of enable

enabled

enabling

play \-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>

See enable defined for English-language learners

See enable defined for kids

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.

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.

15th Century