empower

/ɪmˈpaʊ.ə/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: empowers · empowering

Sense 1

Meaning · English

To give permission, power, or the legal right to do something.

Verb

Examples

Regulations have been made under the Civil Aviation Acts of 1949, 1980 and 1982 which empower Inspectors of Accidents to do these things.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

To give someone more confidence and/or strength to do something, often by enabling them to increase their control over their own life or situation.

Verb

Examples

John found that starting up his own business empowered him greatly in social situations.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “empower” mean?

To give permission, power, or the legal right to do something.

Is “empower” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.

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