Definition of enabling act in English English dictionary
Law passed by the German Reichstag in 1933 that enabled Adolf Hitler to assume dictatorial powers. Deputies from the Nazi Party, the German National People's Party, and the Center Party voted in favor of the act, which "enabled" Hitler's government to issue decrees independently of the Reichstag and the presidency. It gave Hitler a base from which to carry out the first steps of his National Socialist revolution
a provision in a law that confers on appropriate officials the power to implement or enforce the law