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
Drawing lines can feel empowering and be game-changing for your mental well-being.
—Beth Ann Mayer, Parents, 3 Feb. 2026
As part of his contributions to empower Hispanic youths, Rivera collaborated with the Hispanic 100’s Pay It Forward Foundation.
—Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 3 Feb. 2026
Employees are empowered to remove barriers and ensure that there is no wrong door when residents seek help.
—ABC News, 3 Feb. 2026
But for communities such as West Dallas, Joppa in southern Dallas and Echo Heights in Fort Worth, advocates say hyperlocal air monitors not only supply data but also empower residents to understand and confront pollution threats affecting health outcomes such as asthma and cardiovascular disease.
—Dallas Morning News, 3 Feb. 2026
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Beth Ann Mayer, Parents, 3 Feb. 2026
As part of his contributions to empower Hispanic youths, Rivera collaborated with the Hispanic 100’s Pay It Forward Foundation.
—Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 3 Feb. 2026
Employees are empowered to remove barriers and ensure that there is no wrong door when residents seek help.
—ABC News, 3 Feb. 2026
But for communities such as West Dallas, Joppa in southern Dallas and Echo Heights in Fort Worth, advocates say hyperlocal air monitors not only supply data but also empower residents to understand and confront pollution threats affecting health outcomes such as asthma and cardiovascular disease.
—Dallas Morning News, 3 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for empower
Cite this Entry
“Empower.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/empower. Accessed 7 Feb. 2026.
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
