enable

verb

en·able | \ i-ˈnā-bəl

enabled; enabling\ i-ˈnā-b(ə-)liŋ

Definition of enable

transitive verb

1a : 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

Synonyms & Antonyms Enabling: The Behavior of an Enabler More Example Sentences Learn More about enable

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Synonyms & Antonyms for enable

Synonyms

allow, empower, let, permit

Antonyms

prevent

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

My education [in London] has really enabled me to fuse the boldness and diversity of Western culture with the subtle Chinese sensibility in a modern way. — Emily Farra, Vogue, "Ming Ma, Shanghai’s Breakout Designer, Talks His Influences and the Future of Chinese Fashion," 4 Apr. 2019 If time permits, a direct flight from Manado to Sorong will enable you to board a traditional phinisi for a cruise around Raja Ampat for more spectacular diving. — Alex Postman, Condé Nast Traveler, "28 Places Our Travel Specialists Say You Should Go in 2019," 17 Dec. 2018 Investigators believe the Australian man accused of Friday’s mass shooting at two mosques in New Zealand illegally fed higher-capacity magazines into a semiautomatic rifle, enabling him to shoot more worshipers without reloading. — Rob Taylor, WSJ, "New Zealand Mosque Massacre Brings Gun Debate to the Fore," 17 Mar. 2019 Lost in his recounting is the ways the Republican Party enabled it. — Tara Golshan, Vox, "Paul Ryan wants you to know he has identified what’s wrong with the Republican Party," 17 Dec. 2018 This experience can be a bit frustrating, but a subtle shift in perspective can inspire incredible growth, enabling you to hone your skills even further. — Aliza Kelly Faragher, Allure, "What September's Sagittarius Horoscope Means for You," 30 Aug. 2018 However, his power enables him to release mysterious monsters from his body that can attack his enemies. — Tamara Fuentes, Seventeen, "All of The Umbrella Academy's Powers, Explained," 25 Feb. 2019 The cameras exist to potentially enable passengers to make entertainment selections with hand gestures, the spokesman said. — Sam Blum, Popular Mechanics, "Two Major Airlines Admit to Undisclosed Cameras in Aircraft Entertainment Systems," 22 Feb. 2019 Hundreds of billions of dollars are expected to be spent on equipment to enable connections between smartphones and eventually also cars, factory parts and other machinery in the years to come. — Newley Purnell, WSJ, "U.S. Campaign Against Huawei Runs Aground in an Exploding Tech Market," 21 Feb. 2019

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.