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

However, his power enables him to release mysterious monsters from his body that can attack his enemies. — Tamara Fuentes, Seventeen, "All of The Umbrella Academy's Powers, Explained," 25 Feb. 2019 The cameras exist to potentially enable passengers to make entertainment selections with hand gestures, the spokesman said. — Sam Blum, Popular Mechanics, "Two Major Airlines Admit to Undisclosed Cameras in Aircraft Entertainment Systems," 22 Feb. 2019 Hundreds of billions of dollars are expected to be spent on equipment to enable connections between smartphones and eventually also cars, factory parts and other machinery in the years to come. — Newley Purnell, WSJ, "U.S. Campaign Against Huawei Runs Aground in an Exploding Tech Market," 21 Feb. 2019 The most popular games all come with chat functions or other apps, designed to enable players to talk to each other online. — David Nath, Fox News, "Fox on Tech: Predators using online games, FBI warns," 27 Sep. 2018 To help prevent unauthorized access to their accounts, Apple said, people should enable two-factor authentication. — Yoko Kubota, WSJ, "Apple ‘Deeply Apologetic’ Over Account Hacks in China," 16 Oct. 2018 From 2019, extension developers will have to enable two-factor authentication for their accounts. — Peter Bright, Ars Technica, "Google taking new steps to prevent malicious Chrome extensions," 2 Oct. 2018 Discover Magazine's mission is to enable readers to lead richer lives by explaining and expanding their universe. — Mark Barna, Discover Magazine, "Table of Contents Oct 2018," 28 Sep. 2018 Standing on one leg also enables the other one to warm up tucked against the body. — Caroline Picard, Good Housekeeping, "Here's How Birds Stay Warm in the Winter, In Case You Were Wondering," 1 Feb. 2019

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.