Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary · 1913

Empower

Empower , transitive verb

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
3.
to enable or permit; to give more opportunity for independent action.