enabler
enabler Lexical Profile
enabler Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A person who encourages or allows someone else to persist in self-destructive or harmful behavior (such as substance abuse) by providing excuses or helping them avoid the consequences of their actions.
"The counselor explained that by constantly paying off her brother's gambling debts, she was acting as an enabler rather than helping him recover."
A person, organization, or thing that makes it possible for a particular project, process, or goal to be accomplished.
"Access to high-speed internet has proven to be a crucial enabler of economic growth in rural communities."
Word Nuance & Usage
While 'enabler' has a positive or neutral meaning in business and technology (referring to a catalyst or facilitating tool), in psychology and everyday interpersonal contexts it carries a strong negative connotation, referring to someone who shields another person from the consequences of destructive behavior.