enabled; enabling
i-ˈnā-b(ə-)liŋ 
1
a
: 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
Did you know?
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
Fewer parts and smaller boosters could reduce costs and enable large-scale production.
—
Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 15 Jan. 2026
She’s particularly drawn to bags like this for the trolley sleeve, which securely attaches to a suitcase and enables hands-free travel.
—Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 15 Jan. 2026
This enabled states to create, control and regulate everything from state education systems and their local police force to election regulations and zoning laws, Goodwin said.
—Chelsea Bailey, CNN Money, 14 Jan. 2026
According to the National Zoo, emus are also fast runners, capable of reaching speeds up to 31 mph as their long legs enable them to walk considerable distances or outrun danger (or the police).
—Hunter Geisel, CBS News, 14 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for enable
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Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 15 Jan. 2026
She’s particularly drawn to bags like this for the trolley sleeve, which securely attaches to a suitcase and enables hands-free travel.
—Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 15 Jan. 2026
This enabled states to create, control and regulate everything from state education systems and their local police force to election regulations and zoning laws, Goodwin said.
—Chelsea Bailey, CNN Money, 14 Jan. 2026
According to the National Zoo, emus are also fast runners, capable of reaching speeds up to 31 mph as their long legs enable them to walk considerable distances or outrun danger (or the police).
—Hunter Geisel, CBS News, 14 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for enable
Cite this Entry
“Enable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/enable. Accessed 15 Jan. 2026.
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