enable

verb

en·​able i-ˈnā-bəl How to pronounce enable (audio)
enabled; enabling i-ˈnā-b(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce enable (audio)

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 The stiff frame enabled a comfortable ride over a variety of surfaces. Mark Phelan, Detroit Free Press, 19 Mar. 2024 Gallegos enabled the Cougars to take control in the second quarter. Joseph D’hippolito, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Mar. 2024 These systems typically enable one-click filming of a moving vehicle, with the action viewable live on the car's interior display as well as recorded for posterity. Carlton Reid, WIRED, 18 Mar. 2024 To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that Yet there’s also the matter of your specific circumstances and mental health. Shon Faye, Vogue, 18 Mar. 2024 This malfunction can enable the affected rear door to be opened without warning. USA TODAY, 18 Mar. 2024 Voting this Tuesday only enables the Republicans in their quest to elect Donald Trump again. Tobi Raji, Washington Post, 16 Mar. 2024 Seemingly everyone in Shreveport knows the story, and believes that only supernatural intervention enabled Patrick Johnson to survive. David D. Kirkpatrick, The New Yorker, 15 Mar. 2024 The second half of 2023 was one of the most profitable half-years in the history of RTL Group despite weak advertising markets and significant investments, enabling us to pay an attractive dividend. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 14 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'enable.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near enable

Cite this Entry

“Enable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/enable. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

enable

verb
en·​able in-ˈā-bəl How to pronounce enable (audio)
enabled; enabling -b(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce enable (audio)
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

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