The ability to act or to prevent action goes to the heart of any definition of “power.” The prefix “em” is attached to the noun “power” to create a verb. According to Webster’s New World Dictionary (1982), this prefix is used to form verbs meaning “to make, make into or like, cause to be.” Thus, “to empower” is to make or cause power. Yet, the actual definitions offered for “empower” are: “(1) to give power or authority to; (2) give ability to; enable; permit,” with the example, “Congress is empowered to levy taxes,” being offered (p.459).
Clearly, these definitions all refer to a process whereby power is given, granted, or permitted. Yet, power is not likely to be handed to “have-not” groups in our society. Power must be developed or taken by the powerless themselves, as well as being granted (Hess, 1984). It is possible for individuals or groups to empower themselves rather than merely being the recipients of power bestowed by others. Our own definition of “empower” as a transitive verb relates back to the connection of the prefix “em” to the noun “power.” The author defines this term as: (1) to gain power; (2) to develop power; to take or seize power; (3) to facilitate or enable power; (4) to give, grant, or permit power.