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
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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
The system marks the first time a public safety drone integrates Starlink, enabling reliable communication even in areas without cellular coverage.
—
Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 26 Mar. 2026
The ultimate goal is for NASA to spend years constructing a permanent lunar base where operations would enable the first astronauts to reach Mars.
—Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 25 Mar. 2026
If portions of the page appear blank and an ad blocker is enabled, please disable the ad blocker and refresh the page to ensure full access to the content.
—Dom Luszczyszyn, New York Times, 25 Mar. 2026
Mark continuously cleared blockers for Josh and the Hummer team, enabling their ability to break from tradition and norms.
—Jon McNeill, Big Think, 25 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for enable
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Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 26 Mar. 2026
The ultimate goal is for NASA to spend years constructing a permanent lunar base where operations would enable the first astronauts to reach Mars.
—Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 25 Mar. 2026
If portions of the page appear blank and an ad blocker is enabled, please disable the ad blocker and refresh the page to ensure full access to the content.
—Dom Luszczyszyn, New York Times, 25 Mar. 2026
Mark continuously cleared blockers for Josh and the Hummer team, enabling their ability to break from tradition and norms.
—Jon McNeill, Big Think, 25 Mar. 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 26 Mar. 2026.
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