CultureAugust 10, 2026
disempowering
dis-em-POW-er-ing
Definition
Causing someone or something to lose power, authority, or the ability to take action.
Etymology
Formed by adding the prefix 'dis-' (meaning 'reversal' or 'deprivation') to the word 'empower', which originated from the Old French 'empovrer' meaning 'to put into power'.
In the news
The term is used to describe how certain rigid critical approaches can be disempowering to readers by stripping them of their personal connection to a text. It highlights the importance of keeping literature accessible rather than overly academic.
This Scottish literary giant's influence endures 125 years on
Read the full article ↗The National Scot