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
The agency said the park’s enabling act prohibits it from authorizing housing for members of the public uncoupled to ranching.
—
Richard Halstead, The Mercury News, 14 Nov. 2024
But a dedicated federal funding source could enable similar roadway reboots nationwide.
—David Zipper, Vox, 13 Nov. 2024
Signal is primarily known for its privacy-forward features, but Zoom users can also enable end-to-end encryption via the Zoom web portal if desired.
—Jibin Joseph, PCMAG, 12 Nov. 2024
This solid foundation enables the Bilstein DTX shock absorbers to do their work, with fast reaction times that let the various drive mode settings deliver distinctly different ride and handling characteristics.
—Dan Carney, Popular Science, 7 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for enable 
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Richard Halstead, The Mercury News, 14 Nov. 2024
But a dedicated federal funding source could enable similar roadway reboots nationwide.
—David Zipper, Vox, 13 Nov. 2024
Signal is primarily known for its privacy-forward features, but Zoom users can also enable end-to-end encryption via the Zoom web portal if desired.
—Jibin Joseph, PCMAG, 12 Nov. 2024
This solid foundation enables the Bilstein DTX shock absorbers to do their work, with fast reaction times that let the various drive mode settings deliver distinctly different ride and handling characteristics.
—Dan Carney, Popular Science, 7 Nov. 2024
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 22 Nov. 2024.
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