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
By encouraging teams to view AI as an enabler rather than a threat, these leaders multiply their organization’s collective intelligence.
—
Harrison Monarth, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025
The numbers must be sufficient to begin to replace key U.S. enablers — needed to transport troops and equipment, conduct aerial refueling, and perform a range of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance functions.
—Bloomberg Opinion, Twin Cities, 5 Mar. 2025
Technology is one piece of the puzzle—not a silver bullet, but an enabler.
—Tony Bradley, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
Related Articles Lawsuit: University of California systematically discriminates against Asian American applicants
Newsom should master governing before podcasting
The U.N. is an enabler of Saudi Arabia’s crushing of women.
—Agustina Vergara Cid, Orange County Register, 14 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for enabler
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Harrison Monarth, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025
The numbers must be sufficient to begin to replace key U.S. enablers — needed to transport troops and equipment, conduct aerial refueling, and perform a range of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance functions.
—Bloomberg Opinion, Twin Cities, 5 Mar. 2025
Technology is one piece of the puzzle—not a silver bullet, but an enabler.
—Tony Bradley, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
Related Articles Lawsuit: University of California systematically discriminates against Asian American applicants
Newsom should master governing before podcasting
The U.N. is an enabler of Saudi Arabia’s crushing of women.
—Agustina Vergara Cid, Orange County Register, 14 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for enabler
Cite this Entry
“Enabler.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/enabler. Accessed 14 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share