Definition

A person who helps someone else do something, often by allowing them to continue bad habits or behaviors.

Example

The enabler continued to support his friend's addiction, making it harder for him to seek help.

Conversation

I was thinking about how some people are really just an enabler for others' bad habits.

Yeah, it's tough to watch sometimes, especially when you care about them.

Exactly, like when someone keeps making excuses for their friend who drinks too much.

Right, it just makes it harder for that friend to face their issues.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Enabler → It is formed from "enable" (from Old French *enabler*, meaning to make able) and "-er" (meaning a person who). An enabler is a person who makes something possible or facilitates an action.

Memory Tip

Think of someone who 'makes able' ('enable') something to happen — that's why an enabler is a person who helps facilitate an action.

Visually Confused Words