enable

[ en-ey-buhl ]

verb (used with object)

, en·a·bled, en·a·bling.

1. to make able; give power, means, competence, or ability to: Students with vision impairments are enabled in the classroom with magnifiers and screen reader software.

   This document will enable him to pass through the enemy lines unmolested.

   Students with vision impairments are enabled in the classroom with magnifiers and screen reader software.

   Synonyms: permit, allow, qualify, empower

2. to make possible or easy:

   Aeronautics enables us to overcome great distances.

3. to encourage or support (the bad or dysfunctional behavior) of (someone): You enable drug users when you shield them from the consequences of their actions.

   The university enabled years of abuse by ignoring complaints against the coach.

   You enable drug users when you shield them from the consequences of their actions.

4. Digital Technology.
   1. to make (a device, system, or feature) active or functional; turn on:

      The automatic snapshot feature is enabled by default.

   2. to equip for an extended, peripheral, or premium use:

      to enable your laptop for wireless internet access.

enable

/ ɪnˈeɪbəl /

verb

1. to provide (someone) with adequate power, means, opportunity, or authority (to do something)
2. to make possible
3. to put (a digital electronic circuit element) into an operative condition by supplying a suitable input pulse

Derived Forms

• enˈabler, noun
• enˈablement, noun

Other Words From

• en·a·bler noun
• pre·en·a·ble verb (used with object) preenabled preenabling

Word History and Origins

Origin of enable¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; Middle English; en- ¹, able

Example Sentences

The crystals' narrow and light-translucent structures enable researchers to monitor the collection and condensation of fog droplets in real time by using light.

From Science Daily

Our habits are shaped by two brain systems -- one that triggers automatic responses to familiar cues and another that enables goal-directed control.

From Science Daily

They want to enable me to live as normally as possible.

From BBC

The new method takes a deeper look at the proteins in plasma and reveals biomarkers that enable researchers -- and ultimately physicians -- to detect diseases sooner.

From Science Daily

Funding from the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act has enabled EPA to offer $2 billion in grants to help underserved communities address pollution.

From Science Magazine

Related Words

• empower
• facilitate
• implement
• permit
• set up