Empowered
/ɪmˈpaʊərd/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo give someone the authority or power to do something; to make someone stronger and more confident.
/ɪmˈpaʊər/
To give someone the authority or power to do something.
The teacher empowered the students by giving them choices in their projects.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're giving a friend the ability to choose their own ice cream flavor at a party. You are empowering them to make their own decision, like the boss letting their employees make customer-related decisions, which makes them feel trusted.
👶 For kids: To give someone the power to do something.
More Examples
The program empowers women to start their own businesses.
I felt empowered after completing the difficult task.
How It's Used
"The new legislation empowers local communities to make decisions about their own development."
"The company empowered its employees to make decisions about customer service."
Made stronger and more confident, especially as a result of being given control or authority.
/ɪmˈpaʊərd/
Having been given power and authority.
The empowered team took on the challenge with enthusiasm.
💡 Simply: Imagine you finally got to choose the restaurant for dinner, and now, you feel confident and in control. You’re feeling 'empowered' to choose what you like.
👶 For kids: Feeling like you have the power to do something.
More Examples
She felt empowered after successfully negotiating the deal.
The program aims to create empowered citizens.
How It's Used
"The empowered community organized a protest against the discriminatory policies."
"She felt empowered after overcoming her fears."
Idioms & expressions
empowerment movement
A social or political movement that aims to give people more power and control over their lives and communities.
"The empowerment movement advocates for gender equality and economic justice."
feel empowered
To experience a sense of confidence, control, and ability to do something.
"After finishing the project, she felt empowered to take on new challenges."
From Middle English 'enpoweren', from Old French 'enpouer', from 'en-' (in) + 'pueir' (to be able, power), from Latin 'posse' (to be able).
The word 'empower' and its derivatives have been used since the late 16th century to describe giving someone authority or power. Its usage has seen a rise in modern times within social and political contexts.
Memory tip
Think of giving someone POWER, hence EMPOWER.