Word
empower
Phoneticsem·pow·er, stress on the second syllable
US/ɪmˈpaʊɝ/
UK/ɛmpˈaʊɐ/
Definitions
01to give confidence and control
B2 · Upper Intermediate
v. to help someone feel more confident and give them more control over their life or work.
v. to enable an individual or group to gain greater self-determination and influence over their circumstances.
“The new manager wants to empower her team to make their own decisions.”
“The workshop was designed to empower young entrepreneurs by providing them with the networking tools and financial literacy required to scale their businesses.”
Usage
Often used in social, political, or corporate contexts regarding personal growth and autonomy.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02to give legal authority
C1 · Advanced Law Formal
v. to give someone the official or legal right to do something.
v. to invest with official authority or legal power to perform a specific action.
“The law empowers the police to search vehicles under certain conditions.”
“The treaty empowers the international commission to monitor carbon emissions and impose sanctions on member states that fail to meet their targets.”
Usage
Typically followed by an object and a 'to' infinitive.
Synonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “empower” in context.
Verb
01. empower citizens with knowledge
“The campaign was designed to empower citizens with knowledge about their legal rights.”
verb + noun + prep + noun
02. empower individuals to make
“The new legislation aims to empower individuals to make their own healthcare decisions.”
verb + noun + infinitive
03. seek to empower
“The non-profit organization seeks to empower marginalized communities through education.”
verb + infinitive
Adverb
04. further empower
“The digital revolution has further empowered consumers to compare prices globally.”
adv + verb
05. legally empower
“The charter legally empowers the committee to veto any proposed changes.”
adv + verb
06. truly empower
“We need policies that truly empower women in the workplace rather than just offering lip service.”
adv + verb
Real-World Examples
“While personalized options can empower visitors, overpersonalizing could also create a sense of loss.” “This pushback emphasizes the need to include young people in decisions that affect them and to empower them to express opinions and take action.” Etymology
From em- + power.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · AdvancedOxford
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/empower