enable
enable — verb
1. to give someone the ability, means, or opportunity to do something they could no
to give someone the ability, means, or opportunity to do something they could not do before, or to create the right conditions so that something becomes possible or takes place
The generous scholarship enabled Lucas to attend university full-time.
enable + object + to-infinitive (opportunity)
Reliable internet access enables rural students to join online classes.
enable + object + to-infinitive (inanimate subject)
The new railway line will enable faster trade between the two cities.
Andrei's training enabled him to complete the marathon in under four hours.
Cloud-based tools enable small teams to manage projects without expensive software.
- allow
weaker — means not preventing something, rather than actively providing the means
- permit
more formal; implies official approval or permission
- empower
stronger and more personal; specifically about giving someone power or authority
- facilitate
more formal; focuses on making a process smoother or easier
文法句型
enable + noun/pronoun + to-infinitive
用法筆記
Subject is often an abstract noun (technology, opportunity, funding, policy) or a tool, rather than a person. The pattern 'enable + object + to-infinitive' is far more common than 'enable + noun phrase' for this sense.
常見錯誤
2. to provide help or support that lets someone persist in a destructive habit, suc
to provide help or support that lets someone persist in a destructive habit, such as an addiction, by shielding them from the natural harmful results of their actions
By lending him money for drinks, Shanti was enabling his alcohol addiction.
enable + possessive noun (negative context)
The counselor warned that hiding a partner's mistakes only enables further harm.
For years, the family had enabled Ishaan by paying off his credit card debts.
Ignoring a colleague's rude behavior can enable a toxic work environment.
- indulge
softer; means giving in to someone's wishes without the same strong implication of harm
- discourage
to try to prevent someone from doing something
- intervene
to step in to stop harmful behavior
文法句型
enable + noun/pronoun + to-infinitive
enable + noun phrase (habit, addiction)
用法筆記
This sense carries a strong negative or critical judgment. It is most common in discussions of addiction, unhealthy relationships, and workplace dysfunction. Distinguish from sense 1 (MAKE POSSIBLE) by asking whether the outcome is damaging for the person being enabled.
常見錯誤
3. to turn on or activate a particular technological feature, setting, or function
to turn on or activate a particular technological feature, setting, or function so that it becomes ready and available for use
Please enable location services on your phone before using the map app.
imperative: enable + noun phrase (setting)
The administrator enabled two-factor authentication for all company accounts.
enable + noun phrase (security feature)
Ezra enabled dark mode on his laptop to reduce glare during night work.
To print the document, first enable the wireless connection on the printer.
Make sure you enable automatic backups to prevent losing important files.
- disable
the direct opposite — to turn a feature off
- deactivate
to make a feature or function inactive
- turn off
informal opposite of 'turn on'
文法句型
enable + noun phrase (feature, setting, function)
用法筆記
Common in instructional and technical writing. The object is always a specific setting, feature, or function — never a person or a general activity. For example, 'enable Bluetooth' is natural, but 'enable the computer' is not (use 'turn on' instead). Frequently used in the imperative in user guides and help documentation.