enable

enable — 動詞

1. to give someone the ability, means, or opportunity to do something they could no

1.動詞及物B1
釋義

使能夠

讓人擁有能力或機會做某事

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

例句

The generous scholarship enabled Lucas to attend university full-time.

這筆豐厚的獎學金讓 Lucas 能夠全職上大學。

enable + object + to-infinitive (opportunity)

Reliable internet access enables rural students to join online classes.

穩定的網路連線讓偏鄉學生能夠參加線上課程。

enable + object + to-infinitive (inanimate subject)

同義詞
  • 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

反義詞
  • prevent

    to stop something from happening

  • block

    to actively stop something from occurring

  • hinder

    to create difficulties that slow or stop progress

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

❌The new policy enabled the students.
✅The new policy enabled the students to study abroad.
💡In this sense, 'enable' almost always requires a to-infinitive complement explaining what becomes possible.

2. to provide help or support that lets someone persist in a destructive habit, suc

2.動詞及物C1
釋義

縱容

讓人繼續做出對自己有害的行為

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

例句

By lending him money for drinks, Shanti was enabling his alcohol addiction.

Shanti 一直借錢給他買酒，等於在縱容他的酗酒問題。

enable + possessive noun (negative context)

The counselor warned that hiding a partner's mistakes only enables further harm.

諮商師警告說，隱瞞伴侶的錯誤只會助長更多傷害。

同義詞
  • indulge

    softer; means giving in to someone's wishes without the same strong implication of harm

反義詞
  • 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

❌My manager enabled me to take a vacation.
✅My manager enabled her son's gambling habit by covering his losses.
💡For this sense, the result of the action must be harmful or negative for the person being enabled.

3. to turn on or activate a particular technological feature, setting, or function

3.動詞及物B2
釋義

啟用

讓系統或功能準備好可使用

to turn on or activate a particular technological feature, setting, or function so that it becomes ready and available for use

例句

Please enable location services on your phone before using the map app.

使用地圖應用程式之前，請先啟用手機的定位服務。

imperative: enable + noun phrase (setting)

The administrator enabled two-factor authentication for all company accounts.

系統管理員為所有公司帳戶啟用了雙重驗證。

enable + noun phrase (security feature)

同義詞
  • activate

    very close in meaning; 'activate' is more common for services (plans, accounts), 'enable' for settings and features

  • turn on

    less formal; works more broadly for devices, not just features

反義詞
  • 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.

常見錯誤

❌I enabled the new software on my laptop.
✅I enabled automatic updates in the software settings.
💡The object should be a specific feature or setting, not the entire program or device.