empowerment
UK: ɪmˈpaʊəmənt | US: ɪmˈpaʊərmənt
n. the process of giving someone the authority, confidence, or power to do something
n. the state of being empowered, especially in social or political contexts
empowerment = em<in, into> + power<ability, control> + ment<noun suffix>
- em (from Latin in-, meaning "in, into") → Imparts a sense of enabling or putting into a state.
- power (from Old French poeir, Latin potere, meaning "ability, control") → Core concept of capacity or authority.
- ment (Latin -mentum, noun-forming suffix) → Denotes the result or process of an action.
Etymology Origin:
The word "empowerment" emerged in the early 17th century, combining "empower" (to authorize or enable) with the suffix "-ment." "Empower" itself fuses the prefix "em-" (intensifying "into") with "power," reflecting the act of granting agency. The term gained prominence in social and political discourse during the 20th century, emphasizing collective or individual autonomy.
Education is a key tool for the empowerment of marginalized communities.
The program focuses on women’s empowerment through skill development.
Employee empowerment leads to higher job satisfaction and productivity.
Financial literacy contributes to economic empowerment.
Grassroots movements often demand greater political empowerment.