enabler

noun

en·​abler i-ˈnā-b(ə-)lər How to pronounce enabler (audio)
: 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

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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
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.
Over the past two decades, we have been fully committed to becoming a primary enabler of corporate growth. Russell Flannery, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2025 Every military supply line disrupted, every Rouble blocked, and every enabler of Putin's aggression exposed is a step towards a just and lasting peace, and towards security and prosperity in the UK as a part of this government's Plan for Change. Matt Robison, Newsweek, 24 Feb. 2025 This freeze in federal funding is a frightening preview of the way that Trump and his enablers want to reshape America. Elizabeth Shackelford, Chicago Tribune, 4 Feb. 2025 And if the man in the Oval Office is the enabler of such apps and instructs the Attorney General to ignore a law the Supreme Court upheld just this month, is there anything to be done? Philip Elliott, TIME, 28 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for enabler

Word History

First Known Use

1615, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of enabler was in 1615

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Cite this Entry

“Enabler.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/enabler. Accessed 4 Mar. 2025.

Medical Definition

enabler

noun
en·​abler i-ˈnā-b(ə-)lər How to pronounce enabler (audio)
: 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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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