6 uses
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Definition
to make possible
in various senses, including:
- to give someone the ability, knowledge, or authority to do something — as in "The study will enable an informed discussion."
- to activate a computer system for use — as in "You can enable the feature in the Settings Page."
- to permit someone to repeat bad behavior, so they reinforce the bad pattern — as in "I don't want to enable her drug addiction."
- It was the first time he had ever struck me; and fear did not enable me to control my anger.7 — The Lover (41% in)
- It is difficult to persuade such that freedom could make them useful men, and enable them to protect their wives and children.8 — What Slaves Are Taught To Think Of The North (26% in)
- Any white man, who could raise money enough to buy a slave, would have considered himself degraded by being a constable; but the office enabled its possessor to exercise authority.22 — Christmas Festivities (91% in)
- How earnestly I prayed to him to restore me to my children, and enable me to be a useful woman and a good mother!26 — Important Era In My Brother's Life (19% in)
- This state of things enabled me to slip down into the storeroom more frequently, where I could stand upright, and move my limbs more freely.27 — New Destination For The Children (81% in)
- A small portion of my experience would enable her to read her own pages with anointed eyes.37 — A Visit To England (78% in)
There are no more uses of "enable" in Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl.
Typical Usage
(best examples)