Empowering
/ɪmˈpaʊərɪŋ/
Definitions
2 meaningsGiving someone the authority or power to do something; making someone stronger and more confident, especially in controlling their life and claiming their rights.
/ɪmˈpaʊərɪŋ/
Making someone stronger and more confident
The training course is designed for empowering young people to start their own businesses.
💡 Simply: It's like giving someone a superhero cape! When you're empowering someone, you're giving them the ability, skills, or confidence to do something they might not have been able to do before. Like, if your teacher empowers you by letting you choose the book for your book report, you feel more in control and more able to do well!
👶 For kids: Making someone feel strong and able to do things. Like when your parents let you choose your clothes, they are empowering you.
More Examples
The organization focuses on empowering marginalized communities through education.
Giving employees more autonomy is an empowering strategy for boosting morale.
How It's Used
"The program aims at empowering women to participate in the political process."
"Empowering employees to make decisions fosters innovation."
Having the effect of making someone more confident and in control of their life.
/ɪmˈpaʊərɪŋ/
Having an effect that encourages self-sufficiency and confidence
The victory was an empowering moment for the team.
💡 Simply: If something's empowering, it makes you feel like you can do anything! Imagine you just learned to ride a bike – that empowering feeling of freedom and accomplishment is exactly what the word is about.
👶 For kids: Making you feel good and able to do things.
More Examples
Her speech was filled with empowering messages.
The empowering nature of the community project helped residents take control of the neighbourhood.
How It's Used
"She found the experience deeply empowering, as it allowed her to overcome her fears."
"Attending the workshop was an empowering experience for all participants."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
Empowerment zone
A geographical area or initiative designed to encourage economic growth and social development by giving incentives to businesses or residents.
"The city created an empowerment zone to attract investment and create jobs in underserved neighborhoods."
Self-empowerment
The process of gaining power and control over one's own life and decisions.
"Self-empowerment is essential for overcoming challenges and achieving personal goals."
From Middle English *empouren*, from Old French *enpouer*, from *en*- (in) + *pouer* (power), from Latin *posse* (to be able).
The word 'empower' gained prominence in the 20th century, particularly in the context of social and political movements emphasizing self-determination and rights.
Memory tip
Think of giving someone the 'power' to do something. It's about helping them have control.
Word Origin
"To give power or authority to; to enable or permit."