Enabling - Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

Maybe your like

SKIP TO CONTENT enabling /ɛˈneɪbəlɪŋ/ IPA guide

Enabling is a term used for laws that confer legal powers to someone or something. An enabling act makes it possible for authorities to take action.

One meaning of the verb enable is "to provide with legal powers," so the adjective formed by adding -ing gets used to describe legislation that has that empowering effect. When new American states were formed out of frontier territories, they could either organize statehood themselves, or they could be admitted into the Union through an "enabling act" of Congress.

Definitions of enabling

adjective providing legal power or sanction “an enabling resolution” “enabling power” synonyms: facultative granting a privilege or permission or power to do or not do something sanctionative, sanctioning implying sanction or serving to sanction see moresee less antonyms: disabling depriving of legal right; rendering legally disqualified

Cite this entry Style: MLA

MLA
APA
Chicago

Copy citation DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘enabling'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback Word Family

Vocabulary lists containing enabling

David Cameron's Words After the Brexit Vote

On June 23, 2016, the people of Britain voted to decide whether Britain should remain in or leave the European Union- the so-called "Brexit" or "British Exit" vote. The British people voted to leave the European Union, and although the decision does not go into effect immediately, it is an historic decision whose effects will be felt by the entire world for years to come. After the vote, British Prime Minister David Cameron, who was in favor of remaining in the E.U., delivered a speech in which he addressed the future of Britain and announced his resignation, to take effect in a few months. Below are seventeen vocabulary words from Cameron's speech. The transcript of the entire speech is available here.

MORE VOCABULARY LISTS 2 million people are mastering new words. Master a word

Sign up now (it’s free!)

Whether you’re a teacher or a learner, Vocabulary.com can put you or your class on the path to systematic vocabulary improvement.

Get started Learn with us

Learner subscriptions
Vocabulary lists
Dictionary
Test Prep
Join a Vocabulary Jam
Commonly confused words
Word of the day

Teach with us

For educators
For schools and districts
How it works
Success stories
Research
Professional development
Contact sales

Resources

Help articles/FAQ
Teaching resources
Learner resources
ESL/ELL resources
Grade level resources
IPA Pronunciation
Contact support

Leaderboards

Vocabulary Bowl
Today's leaders
Weekly leaders
Monthly leaders

About

Our Mission
Blog
Tell us what you think
Privacy Policy
Terms of Use

My Account Log in Sign up

Log Out
My Learning
My Proficiency Report
My Profile
Schools & Teachers
My Classes
Assignments & Activities
My Lists
- Find a List to Learn...
- Create a New List...
My Progress
- Words I'm Learning
- My Trouble Words
- Words I've Mastered
- My Achievements
User Administration
User Authentication
My Account