Empower

Definition

Empower means to give someone the authority or power to do something, or to make someone stronger and more confident, especially in controlling their life and claiming their rights.

Parts of Speech

• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ɪmˈpaʊər/
• Respelling: im-POW-er

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ɪmˈpaʊə/
• Respelling: im-POW-uh

The pronunciation of "empower" is similar in both American and British English, with a slight variation in the ending sound.

Etymology

The word "empower" comes from the prefix "em-" meaning "to cause" or "to put in" and the root "power," derived from Old French "poeir" meaning "to be able" and Latin "posse" meaning "to be able." It originated in the early 17th century, with the meaning of giving authority or power to someone or something.

Derivatives

• Empowerment (noun)
• Empowered (adjective)
• Empowering (verb)
• Disempower (verb)
• Re-empower (verb)

Synonyms

• Authorize
• Enable
• Strengthen

Antonyms

• Disempower
• Weaken
• Subjugate

Usage

The word "empower" is frequently used in contexts related to leadership, politics, and social justice to describe the act of granting power or authority to individuals or groups. It is also commonly used in personal development contexts to describe building confidence and self-agency in individuals.

Related Terms

• Enable: To give the means or ability to do something.
• Delegate: To entrust a task or responsibility to another person.
• Authorize: To give official permission for something to happen.

Detailed Definitions

Verb

• To give authority or power to someone: Refers to the act of granting someone the power or ability to perform a task or make decisions.
  • Example: "The manager empowered her team to make key decisions."
• To make someone stronger and more confident: Describes the process of making someone feel more confident or capable of controlling their own life and rights.
  • Example: "The organization aims to empower women by providing education and resources."