empower
verb
em·pow·er
im-ˈpau̇(-ə)r 
empowered; empowering; empowers
1
: to give official authority or legal power to
empowered her attorney to act on her behalf
2
: enable sense 1a
… nootropic agents empower the lower amounts of acetylcholine in diseased brains to work overtime …—
Science News
Science News3
: to promote the self-actualization or influence of
The American women's movement has been inspiring and empowering women for nearly 20 years …—Ron Hansen
Ron HansenMembers of our discipline often envision themselves as agents of social change who try to promote critique of dominant ideologies and empower students to become active participants in the larger political world.—Christy Friend
Christy FriendExamples of empower in a Sentence
seeking changes in the workplace that will empower women
the federal agency empowered to collect taxes
Recent Examples on the Web
An integrated approach will empower organizations to better protect themselves against the growing array of cyber threats.
—Chuck Brooks, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
The mentorship movement founded by Emmy-winning reporter Phil Taitt that brings celebrities and community leaders together to empower the next generation.
—Essence, 14 July 2025
Phung said his goal is not only to build a sustainable business but to empower young Vietnamese Americans to engage in coffee entrepreneurship.
—Sacbee.com, 14 July 2025
Support initiatives like African Bush Camps Foundation’s Female Guides Program, which empowers women to become safari guides through mentorship and field training, helping shape a more inclusive future for the industry.
—Marni Granston, Travel + Leisure, 14 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for empower
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Chuck Brooks, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
The mentorship movement founded by Emmy-winning reporter Phil Taitt that brings celebrities and community leaders together to empower the next generation.
—Essence, 14 July 2025
Phung said his goal is not only to build a sustainable business but to empower young Vietnamese Americans to engage in coffee entrepreneurship.
—Sacbee.com, 14 July 2025
Support initiatives like African Bush Camps Foundation’s Female Guides Program, which empowers women to become safari guides through mentorship and field training, helping shape a more inclusive future for the industry.
—Marni Granston, Travel + Leisure, 14 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for empower
Cite this Entry
“Empower.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/empower. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
empower
verb
em·pow·er
im-ˈpau̇(-ə)r
: to give official authority or legal power to
Legal Definition
empower
transitive verb
em·pow·er
im-ˈpau̇-ər
: to give official authority or legal power to
no branch of government should be empowered unilaterally to impose a serious penalty—L. H. Tribe
L. H. TribeLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share