Empower Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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empower
[ɪmˈpaʊər ]
Definitions
influence
Give (someone) the authority or power to do something; make (someone) stronger and more confident.
Synonyms
authorize, enable, encourage, strengthen.
Examples of usage
- He empowered his team to make decisions on their own.
- The training program aimed to empower young people to take control of their future.
social context
Give official authority or legal power to.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The new legislation empowered the police to make arrests without a warrant.
- The constitution empowers the president to veto legislation.
politics
Authority or power given to someone to do something.
Synonyms
authority, control, jurisdiction.
Examples of usage
- The president was granted emergency powers by the congress.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Social Impact
- Empowerment is a key concept in social justice movements, emphasizing the importance of giving marginalized groups a voice.
- In educational settings, empowering students encourages them to take control of their learning and decision-making.
Psychology
- Studies show that empowering individuals improves their self-esteem and motivation, leading to better mental health.
- Empowerment can lead to higher resilience, enabling people to overcome challenges more effectively.
Business
- Firms that empower employees are often more innovative and adaptive, as staff take more initiative.
- Empowerment in a workplace can improve job satisfaction and reduce turnover rates.
Cultural Significance
- The concept of empowerment is central to feminist movements, focusing on promoting women's rights and agency.
- Cultural empowerment emphasizes the importance of preserving heritage and allowing communities to thrive on their own terms.
Origin of 'empower'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the prefix 'em-' which means 'to put into' and 'power', giving the meaning of putting someone into a position of power.
- It has roots in Old French and Middle English, where it was used to describe giving authorization or strength.
The word 'empower' originated from the Old French word 'empouwer', meaning 'to invest with power'. It entered the English language in the 17th century. The concept of empowering individuals or groups has gained significant importance in modern times, especially in the context of social movements and empowerment programs aimed at promoting equality and autonomy.
See also: overpower, overpowered, overpowering, powered, powerful, powerfully, powerhouse, powering, powerless, powerlessly, powerlessness, powerplant, powers, superpower.