enabler

noun

en·​abler i-ˈnā-b(ə-)lər 

: one that enables another to achieve an end

especially : one who enables another to persist in self-destructive behavior (such as substance abuse) by providing excuses or by making it possible to avoid the consequences of such behavior

Did you know?

Enabling: The Behavior of an Enabler

Enable has a number of senses, most of which are some variant on allowing someone (or something, such as enabling cookies on a computer) to do something. In the past several decades, enable has also started to take on a new associated sense in the field of addiction studies, where enabling is viewed as giving misguided support to a person with some substance-abuse issue. A person who facilitates the self-destructive behavior of another is referred to as an enabler.

Examples of enabler in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Technology has been instrumental in this pursuit, serving as an enabler of greater operational efficiency, transparency and accountability. —Mustafa Gandhi, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024

And in our daily habit of self-deception, the computers are our fondest enablers. —Ayad Akhtar, The Atlantic, 4 Dec. 2024

The key enablers are said to be trust, cost-efficiency and enterprise-grade performance. —Adrian Bridgwater, Forbes, 26 Nov. 2024

In the years since, however, the ruling has been cited by federal courts more than 18,000 times and has become a pillar — and one of the principal enablers — of the administrative state. —Neal B. Freeman, National Review, 22 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1615, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

enabler

noun

en·​abler i-ˈnā-b(ə-)lər 

: one that enables another to achieve an end

especially : one who enables another to persist in self-destructive behavior (as substance abuse) by providing excuses or by helping that individual avoid the consequences of such behavior