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.

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Tizen team provides comprehensive technical and marketing support, enabling an agile go-to-market process. John Archer, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025 This enables the high-magnitude flow of campaign donations toward pollution-friendly actions in Tallahassee. Mel Martin, Sun Sentinel, 22 July 2025 That enabled Lunn to return to the mayor’s office again in 1915. Time, 22 July 2025 These attributes have enabled the best ideas to emerge and develop into world-leading, life-changing commercial products. Thomas J. Bollyky, Foreign Affairs, 22 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for enable

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of enable was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Enable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/enable. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

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

More from Merriam-Webster on enable

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!