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
With noise cancellation enabled, the earbuds can play audio continuously for up to eight hours, or up to 32 hours including the capacity of the charging case.
—
PC Magazine, 29 Sep. 2025
Embracing innovations that enable producing only what is needed and minimizing material loss is essential for driving meaningful change.
—Lauren Parker, Sourcing Journal, 29 Sep. 2025
Once on the lunar surface, its structure will enable it to extrude efficiently and compact lunar soil to build structures like domed shelters on the Moon.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 29 Sep. 2025
At higher speeds, the wing's element flips up, enabling a 202 mph (325 km/h) top speed.
—ArsTechnica, 29 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for enable
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PC Magazine, 29 Sep. 2025
Embracing innovations that enable producing only what is needed and minimizing material loss is essential for driving meaningful change.
—Lauren Parker, Sourcing Journal, 29 Sep. 2025
Once on the lunar surface, its structure will enable it to extrude efficiently and compact lunar soil to build structures like domed shelters on the Moon.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 29 Sep. 2025
At higher speeds, the wing's element flips up, enabling a 202 mph (325 km/h) top speed.
—ArsTechnica, 29 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for enable
Cite this Entry
“Enable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/enable. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.
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