enable

Give the means

Enable means to make something possible or give someone the ability to do something: The scholarship enabled her to attend college.

It often appears in technical contexts—enabling a feature turns it on.

In psychology, to enable someone is to facilitate their harmful behavior, especially addiction, by removing consequences or providing resources that allow the behavior to continue.

authorize

permit

Official written authorization

allowGrant permission for
grantBestow or award money
approveFormally accept or authorize

consent · sanction · license · certify · validate · clear · entitle · empower · legitimize · warrant

activate

initiate

To set in motion

triggerWhat initiates action
startTo set going
launchSet into motion

turn-on · boot · engage · unlock · open · commence · energize · ignite · begin · set-off

facilitate

assist

To give support

supportTo uphold or sustain
helpAssistance given
aidSupport given freely

ease · simplify · streamline · expedite · accelerate · optimize · smooth · bridge · connect · equip

technology

toggle

Two-position switch

settingsAdjustable device parameters
permissionsOfficial allowances granted
configurationArrangement of parts

plugin · extension · module · integration · API · functionality · capability · options · preferences · subscription

empower

strengthen

Make more robust

upliftRaise emotionally or physically
liberateSet free from captivity
motivateCause to act

encourage · inspire · emancipate · fortify · enhance · foster · nurture · bolster · enrich · cultivate

accessibility

ramp

Sloped connecting surface

screen-readerConverts display to audio
captionsText describing visual content
subtitlesOn-screen dialogue text

voiceover · text-to-speech · audio-description · adaptive · accommodations · inclusive · magnifier · sign-language

enable

permit

initiate

assist

toggle

strengthen

ramp

enable

Opposites

Phrases

Categories

Family