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 ] |