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
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.
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 

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 30 Jan. 2025.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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