enable

verb

en·​able i-ˈnā-bəl 

enabled; enabling i-ˈnā-b(ə-)liŋ 

transitive verb

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.

Synonyms

• allow
• empower
• let
• permit

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

For example, Pym Particles Productions UK, named after the technology which enables Disney's Ant-Man character to shrink, was only shut down in March this year, nine years after the release of its movie about the diminutive hero. —Caroline Reid, Forbes, 13 Oct. 2024

Churches has had four bills signed into law: to expand background checks to all firearm purchases, allow public schools to help collect union dues, improve traffic at railroad crossings and enable Grosse Ile Township to own and operate a toll bridge with voters' approval. —Clara Hendrickson, Detroit Free Press, 13 Oct. 2024

Technologies like satellite imaging and specialized software enable them to track storm developments and make real-time decisions about route adjustments or itinerary changes. —Kyle J. Russell, USA TODAY, 12 Oct. 2024

Draining wetlands and channelizing the Sprague River to enable cattle ranching and agriculture has taken its toll on the region. —Debra Utacia Krol, The Arizona Republic, 12 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

enable

verb

en·​able in-ˈā-bəl 

enabled; enabling -b(ə-)liŋ 

1

a

: to make able

glasses enable you to read

b

: to make possible, practical, or easy

2

: to give legal power or permission to