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
The innovation investor thinks health care could see the most profound AI application in the long term, whereas in the next five to 10 years, robotaxis might be the biggest application with the top enabler being her No.1 bet Tesla .
—
Yun Li, CNBC, 4 Feb. 2025
In the longer term, a group of European allies should combine to develop these strategic enablers themselves.
—David Faris, Newsweek, 3 Feb. 2025
Russia, once an architect of the deal to restrict Iran’s nuclear program, has evolved into a potential enabler of Tehran’s nuclear ambitions.
—Nicole Grajewski, Foreign Affairs, 28 Jan. 2025
But there’s a new aspect of this behavior and the enabler is AI.
—Arthur Zaczkiewicz, WWD, 27 Jan. 2025
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Yun Li, CNBC, 4 Feb. 2025
In the longer term, a group of European allies should combine to develop these strategic enablers themselves.
—David Faris, Newsweek, 3 Feb. 2025
Russia, once an architect of the deal to restrict Iran’s nuclear program, has evolved into a potential enabler of Tehran’s nuclear ambitions.
—Nicole Grajewski, Foreign Affairs, 28 Jan. 2025
But there’s a new aspect of this behavior and the enabler is AI.
—Arthur Zaczkiewicz, WWD, 27 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for enabler
Dictionary Entries Near enabler
Cite this Entry
“Enabler.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/enabler. Accessed 12 Feb. 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
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