empower

American  

[em-pou-er] / ɛmˈpaʊ ər /

verb (used with object)

1. to give 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.

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empower British  

/ ɪmˈpaʊə /

verb

1. to give or delegate power or authority to; authorize

2. to give ability to; enable or permit

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Other Word Forms

• empowerment noun
• unempowered adjective

Etymology

Origin of empower

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

Example Sentences

That seems particularly the case with agents, which are AI systems empowered to take actions on behalf of a user, like booking an airfare or initiating a refund on a purchase.

From The Wall Street Journal

It said more than two thirds of councils were ready for the recycling changes to come into effect and they had been empowered to deliver services in the best way for their local communities.

From BBC

I feel glamorous, empowered, and so freaking tall.

From Literature

Declarations of war empower direct presidential authority over communications and transportation systems.

From The Wall Street Journal

“Much of the genius in Musk’s companies come from the legions of smart people empowered by the Algorithm,” McNeill writes.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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