enable Meaning & Definition
What Does Enable Mean?
Enable is used as a verb meaning To make somebody able (to do, or to be, something); to give sufficient ability or power to do or to be; to give strength or ability to. It can also mean To affirm; to make firm and strong.
Quick Facts About Enable
| Part of speech | verb |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | //ɪˈneɪ.bəl// |
| Syllables | 1 |
| Antonyms | disable, incapacitate and disenable |
| Verb forms | enables, enabling, enabled |
Enable Definition (Verb)
- To make somebody able (to do, or to be, something); to give sufficient ability or power to do or to be; to give strength or ability to.
- To affirm; to make firm and strong.
- To qualify or approve for some role or position; to render sanction or authorization to; to confirm suitability for.
- To yield the opportunity or provide the possibility for something; to provide with means, opportunities, and the like.
- To imply or tacitly confer excuse for an action or a behavior.
His parents enabled him to go on buying drugs.
- To put a circuit element into action by supplying a suitable input pulse.
- To activate, to make operational (especially of a function of an electronic or mechanical device).
Synonyms of Enable
The source does not list synonyms for this entry.
Enable synonyms and antonyms →Antonyms of Enable
Enable in a Sentence
His parents enabled him to go on buying drugs.
Word Forms & Grammar
enable (third-person singular simple present enables, present participle enabling, simple past and past participle enabled)
Words That Rhyme With Enable
Origin of Enable
From Middle English enablen, equivalent to en- + able.
Pronouncing Enable
Enable is pronounced //ɪˈneɪ.bəl// and has 1 syllable.
Frequently Asked Questions About Enable
What part of speech is enable?
Enable is a verb.
What is the opposite of enable?
The opposite of enable can be expressed with words like disable, incapacitate and disenable.
What is the past tense of enable?
The past tense of enable is enabled. The present participle is enabling.