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

The agency said the park’s enabling act prohibits it from authorizing housing for members of the public uncoupled to ranching. —Richard Halstead, The Mercury News, 14 Nov. 2024

But a dedicated federal funding source could enable similar roadway reboots nationwide. —David Zipper, Vox, 13 Nov. 2024

Signal is primarily known for its privacy-forward features, but Zoom users can also enable end-to-end encryption via the Zoom web portal if desired. —Jibin Joseph, PCMAG, 12 Nov. 2024

This solid foundation enables the Bilstein DTX shock absorbers to do their work, with fast reaction times that let the various drive mode settings deliver distinctly different ride and handling characteristics. —Dan Carney, Popular Science, 7 Nov. 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