DictionaryAI

enable

verb
i-NAY-buhl/ɪˈneɪbəl/

Formsenables, enabling, enabled

7 meanings of enable

Practice

  1. 1
    verbtransitive
    To give someone the power or ability to do something.

    Like giving someone a key so they can open a locked door.

    Good training can enable workers to handle difficult jobs.

    A scholarship enabled her to attend college.

    Similarempower, endow

    Oppositeprevent, hinder

    Note
  2. 2
    verbtransitive
    To make something possible by giving the chance or means to do it.

    Like building a path that lets you reach a place you couldn't get to before.

    The new bridge will enable people to cross the river quickly.

    Cheap flights enabled millions of travelers to see other countries.

    Similarallow

    Oppositeprevent, hinder, impede, block

    Note
  3. 3
    verbtransitive
    To turn on a feature or function so a device can use it.

    Like flipping a switch to turn a light on.

    You can enable dark mode in the settings menu.

    She enabled the camera before the video call.

    Similaractivate

    Oppositedisable

    Note
  4. 4
    verbtransitive
    To approve or qualify someone for a role, or to give official permission for something.

    The new rules enable nurses to prescribe certain medicines.

    Passing the final exam enabled him to join the profession.

    Similarauthorize, permit, let

    Oppositeprohibit, forbid, bar, disqualify

    Note
  5. 5
    verbtransitive
    To support someone's bad behavior by making excuses or helping it continue.

    Like giving more candy to someone who already eats far too much.

    Parents who pay off every debt can enable poor money habits.

    By covering for him at work, she enabled his drinking.

    Similarfacilitate, encourage, condone

    Oppositediscourage

    Note
  6. 6
    verbtransitive
    To switch on a circuit part by sending it the right signal.

    Like tapping someone on the shoulder so they start working.

    A short pulse can enable the counter.

    The chip enabled the output once it received the signal.

    Similaractivate

    Oppositedisable

    Note

Less common meaning

  1. 7
    verb
    To affirm; to make firm and strong.

Practice

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Origin

From Middle English enablen, made from en- plus able.