Definition

To take away someone's power or ability to do something.

Example

The new policies may disempower local communities by limiting their decision-making authority.

Tense Forms

Conversation

I read an article about how certain policies can disempower communities.

That's really interesting! It's sad how that happens sometimes.

Yeah, it makes you think about the changes we need to advocate for.

Absolutely, we should empower people instead of letting them feel powerless.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Disempower → It is formed from "dis-" (meaning apart or away) and "empower" (from the root "power" meaning ability or strength, with the prefix "em-" meaning to cause to be). The word means to take away someone's power or ability.

Memory Tip

Think of 'taking away' ('dis-') someone's 'ability' ('power') — that's why disempower means to remove someone's power.

Visually Confused Words