empower

1 to give official or legal power to <the federal agency empowered to collect taxes> Synonyms accredit, certify, charter [British], commission, authorize, enable, invest, license (also licence), qualify, vest, warrantRelated 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, privilegeNear 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, vetoAntonyms disqualify

2 to make able or possible <workshops in financial management to empower workers to plan for their retirement> Synonyms allow, enable, let, permitRelated Words fit, habilitate, prepare, qualify, ready; approve, endorse (also indorse), sanction; condition, equipNear Antonyms inhibit, preclude; disallow, enjoin, forbid, prohibitAntonyms prevent