facilitate

verb

fuh-SIL-i-tayt/fəˈsɪlɪteɪt/

Formsfacilitates, facilitating, facilitated

3 meanings of facilitate

1
verbtransitive
To make something easier to do.
Like smoothing a bumpy road so cars can drive on it easily.
Good lighting can facilitate reading at night.
These tools facilitate learning for young children.
Similarease
Oppositehinder, impede
Note
2
verbtransitive
To help something happen.
Like adding a step stool so a child can reach the shelf.
Talking openly can facilitate trust between friends.
The new road helped facilitate trade in the region.
Similarpromote, foster, enable, encourage, further
Oppositehinder, impede
Note
3
verbtransitive
To lead and guide a meeting so it runs smoothly.
Like a guide who leads a group along a trail without walking it for them.
She will facilitate the group discussion tomorrow.
A trained teacher can facilitate the workshop.
Similarlead, moderate, run, chair, guide

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Origin

It comes from the French word faciliter, which goes back to the Latin word facilis.