Empower, 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.
2. To give moral or physical power, faculties, or abilities to. "These eyes . . . empowered to gaze." Keble.
Shades of meaning
Fernald lists empower only as an antonym, under prohibit.
He lists it without comment; the entries above explain its neighbors.
Synonyms
none given