enabled; enabling
i-ˈnā-b(ə-)liŋ 
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
This change enabled her to view her development as planned and targeted.
2.
—
Tinna Jackson, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025
When those conditions change, the chemicals are not strong enough to enable them to actually withstand the enormous pressures and the enormous changes that have happened.
—Ari Daniel, Smithsonian Magazine, 23 Jan. 2025
The prospect of low oil prices will enable the Fed to dial back its fight against inflation and bring down interest rates, Trump said.
—Max Zahn, ABC News, 23 Jan. 2025
Hamas probably has to make some concessions to enable enough aid to enter Gaza for reconstruction.
—Iyad Abuheweila, New York Times, 23 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for enable 
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Tinna Jackson, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025
When those conditions change, the chemicals are not strong enough to enable them to actually withstand the enormous pressures and the enormous changes that have happened.
—Ari Daniel, Smithsonian Magazine, 23 Jan. 2025
The prospect of low oil prices will enable the Fed to dial back its fight against inflation and bring down interest rates, Trump said.
—Max Zahn, ABC News, 23 Jan. 2025
Hamas probably has to make some concessions to enable enough aid to enter Gaza for reconstruction.
—Iyad Abuheweila, New York Times, 23 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for enable
Dictionary Entries Near enable
Cite this Entry
“Enable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/enable. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.
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