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

But there’s reason to believe that current grid architecture is not well-suited to enabling and encouraging them. — David Roberts, Vox, "Clean energy technologies threaten to overwhelm the grid. Here’s how it can adapt.," 30 Nov. 2018 If Minneapolis is serious about achieving its climate goals, then enabling more people to live along transit corridors, near daily destinations, in places where living without a car is a realistic choice, is an obvious first step. — Patrick Sisson, Curbed, "Here’s what a plan to tackle climate change, density, and affordability looks like," 27 Nov. 2018 This is about an abusive male grifter who uses the levers of the law and its many domestic violence–enabling loopholes to wreak havoc on the life of a deluded but innocent woman. — Julia Felsenthal, Vogue, "In Dirty John, Connie Britton Brings a Cautionary Tale to Life—And According to Her, the Timing’s Never Been Better to Talk About Con Men," 23 Nov. 2018 The entire performance could be read as a resistance anthem to President Trump and his administration, considering Trump's White House is actively enabling the issues that kids like the ones onstage are facing. — The Editors, Marie Claire, "The Kids With Logic at the VMAs Had a Powerful Story to Match the Song," 21 Aug. 2018 To ensure each layer of rocks is in the right position, the engineers designed the arm to be powered by computer vision, enabling it to calculate where each piece of gravel must go to build a stable base. — Liz Stinson, Curbed, "Watch a robot build columns out of only gravel and string," 15 Oct. 2018 That enabled us to create a country feeling in an urban setting. — Jessica Mischner, House Beautiful, "Hand-Painted Wallpaper Makes This Alabama House Simply Stunning," 6 Oct. 2018 Now 100 Years of Skincare To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that : 0%: 0% However, my favorite way to use color magick is in my beauty routine (witchy makeup addicts, rejoice). — Sophie Saint Thomas, Allure, "Color Magick: A Beginner's Guide to Harnessing the Power of Every Color," 25 Sep. 2018 Sinclair expects the new system will enable a broader and more customized reach for viewers and advertisers. — Lorraine Mirabella, baltimoresun.com, "Sinclair Broadcast will reportedly launch a free streaming TV service this year," 11 July 2018

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.