[David L.]

What are differences in meaning and usage amongst 'deploy', 'designate' and 'empower'?

What are the differences in meaning and usage among 'deploy', 'designate' and 'empower'?

deploy : move (troops) into position for military action

designate: to appoint (someone) to a specified position : he was designated as the leader of our group
and • officially assign a specified status eg 'Nowadays, there is smoking in designated areas only'
or ascribe a specified name or quality to : "Certain schools are designated 'science schools.'"

empower : give (someone) the authority or power to do something : "His secretary was empowered to sign checks on his behalf."
and • [ trans. ] make (someone) stronger and more confident, esp. in controlling their life and claiming their rights : "The Women's Movement empowered women to demand equality in all areas of life."

What is the confusion?