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

When the inevitable scandal erupts to bite the leagues and their political enablers, they will be stuck. —Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 2 Apr. 2024

Keystone Press/Alamy Chapter 14 of the report is devoted to the E-meter, which Anderson viewed as a powerful enabler of Scientology. —IEEE Spectrum, 31 Mar. 2024

As the technology continues to advance, high-tech companies that embrace and integrate generative AI into their operations will have a competitive advantage in the market as both adopters and enablers of the technology. —Syed Alam, Forbes, 27 Mar. 2024

Instead of launching traditional amphibious assaults, these nimbler groups are intended as an enabler for a larger joint force. —Ellen Nakashima, Washington Post, 29 Mar. 2024

This shift to at-home care should benefit UnitedHealth Group, which owns primary, hospice, palliative, and at-home care providers and enablers including Optum, LHC Group, Landmark, Summit Home Care, and NaviHealth. —Will Daniel, Fortune, 27 Mar. 2024

Better for everyone, apparently, if the enabler distanced themselves from the addict and broke the chain of unhealthy mutual dependency. —Elissa Strauss, The Atlantic, 25 Feb. 2024

Its eco-friendly nature, and potential to replace conventional ammonia production methods, make green ammonia a key enabler in the transition to a sustainable future. —Starfire Energy, USA TODAY, 16 Jan. 2024

As part of a deal, federal prosecutors agreed to not prosecute him or his enablers. —Erik Ortiz, NBC News, 7 Jan. 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