from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Empower \Em*pow"er\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Empowered}; p. pr. &
vb. n. {Empowering}.]
1. To give authority to; to delegate power to; to commission;
to authorize (having commonly a legal force); as, the
Supreme Court is empowered to try and decide cases, civil
or criminal; the attorney is empowered to sign an
acquittance, and discharge the debtor.
[1913 Webster]
2. To give moral or physical power, faculties, or abilities
to. "These eyes . . . empowered to gaze." --Keble.
[1913 Webster]
3. to enable or permit; to give more opportunity for
independent action.
[PJC]