Definition of enable
enabled
;enabling
play \i-ˈnā-b(ə-)liŋ\transitive verb
1a : to provide with the means or opportunity training that enables people to earn a livingb : to make possible, practical, or easy a deal that would enable passage of a new lawc : 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
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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 of enable from the Web
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Targeted infrastructure deregulation like that which has enabled the country’s freight-rail system to thrive should be the model for future policy.
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Then, launch the app, sign into your Amazon account, enable the microphone, recording, and location services, and Alexa will be ready to go.
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German economists started to model a scenario in which France’s advantage in demography enabled its economy to outpace Germany’s.
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If approved, a new ordinance will enable county officials to cite and fine property owners for standing water, including in bromeliads.
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What enabled you to choose someone in your husband who has the ability to love you, really?
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The new platform will integrate live comments utilizing Twitter polls and questions from the Twitter audience using the hashtag #ESSENCENow – enabling fans to connect and participate from anywhere in the world.
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Medications have also become an essential component of an ongoing treatment plan, enabling opioid-addicted persons to regain control of their health and their lives.
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In a process called backpropagation, the outcome is sent backward through the network, enabling it to reweight the triggers for each neuron.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'enable.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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.
First Known Use of enable
15th century
ENABLE Defined for English Language Learners
enable
playDefinition of enable for English Language Learners
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: to make (someone or something) able to do or to be something
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: to make (something) possible, practical, or easy
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: to cause (a feature or capability of a computer) to be active or available for use
ENABLE Defined for Kids
enable
playDefinition of enable for Students
enabled
;enabling
: to give strength, power, or ability to : make able A good night's sleep enabled me to face the day refreshed.
Learn More about enable
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See words that rhyme with enable Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for enable Spanish Central: Translation of enable Nglish: Translation of enable for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of enable for Arabic speakers
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