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

NHS chief executive Amanda Pritchard welcomed the accountability, saying: "The extensive package of reforms, developed together with government, will empower all leaders working in the NHS - and it will give them the tools they need to provide the best possible services for our patients."

From BBC

This reconfiguration coincides with Sir Keir Starmer coming to a view four-and-a-half months into the job as prime minister that it isn’t sufficient for No 10 to merely empower government departments to crack on with their work.

From BBC

I was looking for something that would empower me, and I loved the idea of being able to ride motorcycles with other women.

From Los Angeles Times

“We were asking Democratic leadership to empower us,” Alawieh said.

From Slate

She joined Llwy Gariad at SpanArts in Pembrokeshire, which is a group set up to help empower young people to talk about and express their identities.

From BBC

Related Words

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