Distinguish "enable" and "empower"

[Giang93]

I'm doing an English comprehension exercise and being confused by choosing answer for a space in it .
" This weapon , together with the development of steam - power ships , ........... the whalers to hunt the fast-moving fin and blue whales "
A . managed B.employed C.enabled D.empowered

I'm confused between two answers C and D . It seems as if they had the same meaning
Help me , please .....in choosing the answer and explain for me

Thanks so much in advance !!!
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[Alan]

Hi,

'Enable' has the idea of making it possible to do something as in: A freezer enables you to keep food frozen for long periods of time.
'Empower' is used in an abstract way to indicate giving authority to someone to do something as in: The newly elected president felt that the enormous majority he acquired over his rivals empowered him to carry out these reforms.

Alan
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English as a Second Language
You can read my ESL story A day in the life of a driving instructor

[Giang93]

Thank you so much , Alan
If it's as what you explained , the answer is C. explained , right ??
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To begin an end

[Giang93]

Thank you so much , Alan
If it's as what you explained , the answer is C. explained , right ??
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To begin an end

[Alan]

Yes, indeed.

Alan
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English as a Foreign Language
You can read my EFL story Guy Fawkes Night for You