Empower

v. t. [imp. & p. p. EMPOWERED; p. pr. & vb. n. EMPOWERING.] [Prefix em, for en, and power, q. v.]

1. To give legal or moral power or authority to; to authorize, either by law, commission, letter of attorney, natural right, or by verbal license; as, the Supreme Court is empowered to try and decide all cases, civil or criminal; the attorney is empowered to sign an acquittance, and discharge the debtor.
2. To give physical power or force to. Baker.