empower

[ em-pou-er ]

verb (used with object)

1. to give power pow power or authority to; authorize, especially by legal or official means:

   I empowered my agent to make the deal for me. The local ordinance empowers the board of health to close unsanitary restaurants.

   Synonyms: qualify, license, commission, warrant

2. to enable or permit:

   Wealth empowered him to live a comfortable life.

empower

/ ɪmˈpaʊə /

verb

1. to give or delegate power or authority to; authorize
2. to give ability to; enable or permit

Other Words From

• em·power·ment noun
• unem·powered adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of empower¹

First recorded in 1645–55; em- ¹ + power

Example Sentences

Trump already introduced tariffs in his first term, citing Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, which empowers a president to impose duties on goods that could affect US national security.

From BBC

It was very much something that made me feel so empowered, so feminine, so confident.

From Los Angeles Times

Voters overwhelmingly backed charter changes designed to curb elected officials’ political power by creating an independent redistricting commission and empowering the city’s Ethics Commission.

From Los Angeles Times

As Trump becomes empowered, he also gets messier.

From Salon

With Donald Trump’s reelection, the slide toward a dangerously empowered president has reached a moment of reckoning, particularly when it comes to foreign affairs and warfare.

From Salon

Related Words

• allow
• entitle
• entrust
• grant
• legitimize
• permit
• vest