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
As noted earlier, a resource library containing blogs or online courses can be an effective resource that enables customers to find help on specific topics related to your product or service.
—
Kate Vitasek, Forbes, 30 Nov. 2024
The imaging system also enables 2K/30fps video recording.
—Paul Ridden, New Atlas, 29 Nov. 2024
The French haute couture brand’s operating company Impasse 13 has gone into receivership to enable the financial restructuring.
—Joelle Diderich, WWD, 29 Nov. 2024
Kellogg says more weapons should have been given before the Russian invasion, and immediately afterwards, to enable Ukraine to win.
—Nick Paton Walsh, CNN, 29 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for enable 
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Dictionary Entries Near enable
Cite this Entry
“Enable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/enable. Accessed 12 Dec. 2024.
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