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
Phishing attacks often attempt to get people to share personal information, like Social Security numbers, which enables criminals to access finances.
—
Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025
Archer Aviation Archer's efforts to secure what's called 'Type Certification' from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for Midnight could enable the eVTOL company to operate out of major airports.
—New Atlas, 17 Apr. 2025
The most severe cases required the use of iron lungs — large machines that enabled paralyzed patients to breathe.
—Gerald Joyce, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Apr. 2025
Coupled with flexible workplaces enabled by modern technology, that creates value over time for companies.
—Eric Hutto, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for enable
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025
Archer Aviation Archer's efforts to secure what's called 'Type Certification' from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for Midnight could enable the eVTOL company to operate out of major airports.
—New Atlas, 17 Apr. 2025
The most severe cases required the use of iron lungs — large machines that enabled paralyzed patients to breathe.
—Gerald Joyce, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Apr. 2025
Coupled with flexible workplaces enabled by modern technology, that creates value over time for companies.
—Eric Hutto, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for enable
Cite this Entry
“Enable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/enable. Accessed 21 Apr. 2025.
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