enabled; enabling
i-ˈnā-b(ə-)liŋ 
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.
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
That specialization enables his team to delve into the technical nuances of estate planning while also mastering the softer skills of listening and translating legalese into workable plans.
—
Malana Vantyler, USA Today, 15 Aug. 2025
While starting and running a business can be a rewarding experience, exiting enables founders to pursue other opportunities while new leaders continue the mission and drive sustainable growth.
—Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025
Always Active These Cookies and SDKs are required for Service functionality, including security and fraud prevention, and to enable any purchasing capabilities.
—Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 15 Aug. 2025
That should enable the chain to reach enough critical mass for coordinated advertising to compete with more established fast-food restaurants for market share.
—Robert Channick, Chicago Tribune, 15 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for enable
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Malana Vantyler, USA Today, 15 Aug. 2025
While starting and running a business can be a rewarding experience, exiting enables founders to pursue other opportunities while new leaders continue the mission and drive sustainable growth.
—Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025
Always Active These Cookies and SDKs are required for Service functionality, including security and fraud prevention, and to enable any purchasing capabilities.
—Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 15 Aug. 2025
That should enable the chain to reach enough critical mass for coordinated advertising to compete with more established fast-food restaurants for market share.
—Robert Channick, Chicago Tribune, 15 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for enable
Cite this Entry
“Enable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/enable. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.
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