Definition of the word enabler

The term "enabler" originated in the 1970s in the field of psychology, particularly in the context of codependency theory. It was first used to describe individuals who, often unconsciously, help to perpetuate another person's addictive or destructive behavior. These "enablers" might provide financial support, make excuses for the individual's behavior, or even collude with the individual to hide the nature of the behavior from others. The term was popularized by the work of psychologists Robert J. Warm and Nancy P. Warm, who developed the concept of "enabling" as a way to understand the complex relationships between people with addiction and their family members or friends. Over time, the term has expanded to describe not just addiction, but any situation where someone enables another person's harmful behavior by shielding them from the consequences of their actions.