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. To give moral or physical power, faculties, or abilities to.
To give permission, power, or the legal right to do something. To give someone more confidence and/or strength to do something, often by enabling them to increase their control over their own life or situation.
Inspire allow let permit
Disempower dishearten disspirit ban bar forbid prohibit