enable

views updated Jun 08 2018

en·a·ble / enˈābəl/ • v. [tr.] give (someone or something) the authority or means to do something: the evidence would enable us to arrive at firm conclusions. ∎  [tr.] make possible: a number of courses are available to enable an understanding of a broad range of issues. ∎  [tr.] chiefly Comput. make (a device or system) operational; activate.DERIVATIVES: en·a·ble·ment n.en·a·bler n.

enable

views updated May 29 2018

enable To selectively activate a device or function. When a number of devices are connected in parallel, selective operation can be achieved by an enabling action – such as a signal on a discrete line or a pattern of signals on the common line or lines – that will set only the desired device into a state in which it can receive further signals. Compare inhibit.

enable

views updated May 21 2018

enable †invest with legal status XV; give (legal) power to, supply with means to do XVI. f. EN-1 + ABLE adj.