impower

Intermediate (B1)

IPA: /ɪmˈpaʊər/

KK: /ɪmˈpaʊər/

transitive verb

Definition

To give someone the authority or power to do something.

Example

The new policy will impower employees to make decisions on their own.

Tense Forms

Past: impowered

Past Participle: impowered

Conversation

I think we should impower our team to take more initiative.

That's a great idea! It could boost their confidence.

Exactly! When they feel impowered, they'll be more creative.

Totally, it's all about giving them the freedom to express themselves.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

enable

authorize

entitle

Antonyms

restrict

disempower

forbid

Root Explanation

Impower → It is formed from "im-" (meaning to put into) and "power" (from Old French *poeir*, meaning ability or strength). The word "impower" means to put into a position of power or to give someone the ability to act.

Memory Tip

Think of 'putting into' ('im-') a state of 'strength' ('power') — that's how impower means to give someone the ability to act.

Visually Confused Words

imbower

empower

power

mower