enabler
noun
en·abler i-ˈnā-blər 
-bᵊl-ər
: 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.
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web Last March, African countries subscribed to the Lomé Declaration (pdf) which is implementing a regulatory framework to make cybersecurity a business enabler. 
Faustine Ngila, Quartz, 22 Aug. 2022 The business enabler ensures that risks are assessed, that technology performs well and that it is aligned with business goals. Andrei Kasyanau, Forbes, 2 Aug. 2022 Allowing Putin and his inner circle to bypass sanctions makes the UAE a key enabler of Russia’s great power interests. Andreas Krieg, Time, 3 June 2022 The technology is an enabler for great people to use their creativity, their complex judgment and decision making skills. Fortune Editors, Fortune, 27 July 2022 Instead, your role is to be an enabler, one who encourages creative problem solving and discourages the status quo. Peter Schroer, Forbes, 16 June 2022 The way to become a community enabler is to provide digital stages for your customer’s voice and self-expression. Loredana Niculae, Forbes, 11 July 2022 More importantly, if allowed to lead the department, Clark may well have been the legal enabler who allowed Trump’s unlawful vision to come true. Elliot Williams, CNN, 23 June 2022 As the fashion industry evolves—cleaning up supply chains, right-sizing production and embracing circular business models—digital traceability will be the great enabler. Madhava Venkatesh Raghavan, Forbes, 2 June 2022 See More
Faustine Ngila, Quartz, 22 Aug. 2022 The business enabler ensures that risks are assessed, that technology performs well and that it is aligned with business goals. Andrei Kasyanau, Forbes, 2 Aug. 2022 Allowing Putin and his inner circle to bypass sanctions makes the UAE a key enabler of Russia’s great power interests. Andreas Krieg, Time, 3 June 2022 The technology is an enabler for great people to use their creativity, their complex judgment and decision making skills. Fortune Editors, Fortune, 27 July 2022 Instead, your role is to be an enabler, one who encourages creative problem solving and discourages the status quo. Peter Schroer, Forbes, 16 June 2022 The way to become a community enabler is to provide digital stages for your customer’s voice and self-expression. Loredana Niculae, Forbes, 11 July 2022 More importantly, if allowed to lead the department, Clark may well have been the legal enabler who allowed Trump’s unlawful vision to come true. Elliot Williams, CNN, 23 June 2022 As the fashion industry evolves—cleaning up supply chains, right-sizing production and embracing circular business models—digital traceability will be the great enabler. Madhava Venkatesh Raghavan, Forbes, 2 June 2022 See More 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