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

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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

As reserves for critical assets and enablers of cross-collaboration between security tools, there is a fundamental need for security organizations to protect these APIs and develop technical integrations that enhance such controls. —Michael Nicosia, Forbes, 26 Dec. 2024

Washington must remain the primary enabler of that security for now, while making sure that Europe ramps up the investments required to better handle its own defense in the years ahead. —Andrea Kendall-Taylor, Foreign Affairs, 18 Dec. 2024

Seemingly missed by the CFPB and its enablers in the House and Senate is that as opposed to a vehicle for banks to allow their customers to be scammed, Zelle was created as a solution to the problem of bank-account theft. —John Tamny, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024

For eons, gay men (and their enablers) have been passing down misinformation about something that is admittedly precarious, yet more simple than it's made out to be. —Fran Tirado, Them, 20 Dec. 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