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Enabler: meaning, definitions and examples

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enabler

 

[ ɪˈneɪ.bəl.ər ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

supportive person

An enabler is someone who provides support or encouragement to another person, often facilitating certain behaviors or actions, sometimes to the detriment of that individual. While the term is often used in a negative context, particularly in situations involving substance abuse, it can also refer to someone who helps others achieve their goals. Enablers may assist individuals in various areas such as career advancement, personal development, or even financial support. The key characteristic of an enabler is that their support enables one to carry out actions or behaviors that may not be possible otherwise.

Synonyms

facilitator, helper, promoter, supporter

Examples of usage

  • She acted as an enabler for his career success.
  • The coach became an enabler for the team's championship hopes.
  • In some relationships, one partner may become an enabler for the other's unhealthy habits.

Translations

Translations of the word "enabler" in other languages:

🇵🇹 facilitador

🇮🇳 सक्षम करने वाला

🇩🇪 ermöglicher

🇮🇩 pemberi dukungan

🇺🇦 сприятливець

🇵🇱 umożliwiacz

🇯🇵 実現者

🇫🇷 facilitateur

🇪🇸 habilitador

🇹🇷 olanak sağlayan

🇰🇷 가능하게 하는 사람

🇸🇦 ممكن

🇨🇿 umožňovatel

🇸🇰 umožňovateľ

🇨🇳 使能者

🇸🇮 omogočevalec

🇮🇸 mögleikamaður

🇰🇿 мүмкіндік беруші

🇬🇪 შესაძლებლობის მომცემი

🇦🇿 imkan verən

🇲🇽 facilitador

Etymology

The word 'enabler' originates from the verb 'enable', which stems from the Middle French word 'habiliter' meaning 'to make able'. It began to appear in English in the late 19th century, first signifying someone who provides the means or ability to achieve a certain task. Over time, its usage expanded to include contexts where individuals assist others, often in a negative connotation regarding addiction or harmful behaviors. In psychological contexts, especially in discussions of addiction recovery, an enabler is perceived as someone who inadvertently helps another to continue an unhealthy habit or lifestyle by providing them with the resources or support to do so. This specialized meaning has solidified in contemporary usage, leading to a more cautious interpretation of the term in social and therapeutic discussions.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,207 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.