empower

1. (transitive) To give permission, power, or the legal right to do something.Examples: "Regulations have been made under the Civil Aviation Acts of 1949, 1980 and 1982 which empower Inspectors of Accidents to do these things."; "Once on site, inspectors are empowered to exercise wide-ranging legal powers - including the right to enter railway property or land adjoining it; to make written, electronic or photographic records; to seize equipment, remove or retain samples; and to be given access to records and recording equipment."Synonyms: allow, let, permittransitive

2. (transitive) To give someone more confidence and/or strength to do something, often by enabling them to increase their control over their own life or situation.Examples: "John found that starting up his own business empowered him greatly in social situations."; "Musically, what originally attracted me to dance was its shamanist aspects, using natural magic to change people's neurological states and to psychologically empower them."; "This side of the training is effective in empowering employees to make better decisions on site, and helps to improve employee retention."Synonyms: inspiretransitive