I. ə̇m, em+ transitive verb
Etymology: en- (I) + power (n.)
1. : to give official authority to : delegate legal power to : commission , authorize
empowered the Supreme Court and the district courts of the United States to issue writs of habeas corpus in circumstances involving the exercise of jurisdiction by Federal authorities — C.B.Swisher
these courts of appeal are also empowered to review and enforce orders of federal administrative bodies — W.S.Sayre
the department was empowered by the legislature to begin courses in medicine — American Guide Series: Minnesota
2. : to give faculties or abilities to : enable
the emotion which empowers artists to create significant form — Clive Bell
empowered by long training, the young priest blotted himself out of his own consciousness and meditated upon the anguish of his Lord — Willa Cather
• em·pow·er·ment “mənt noun -s
II. transitive verb
: to promote the self-actualization or influence of
women's movement has been inspiring and empowering women — Ron Hansen