facilitate

[fuh-sil-i-teyt]

verb (used with object)

facilitated, facilitating 

1. to make easier or less difficult; help forward (an action, a process, etc.).

   Careful planning facilitates any kind of work.

2. to lead or moderate (a discussion, workshop, etc.), especially as a person trained to do so.

   An instructor will facilitate the online discussions, providing students with the questions beforehand.

3. to assist the progress of (a person).

facilitate

/ fəˈsɪlɪˌteɪt /

verb

1. (tr) to make easier; assist the progress of

Other Word Forms

• facilitative adjective
• facilitator noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of facilitate¹

First recorded in 1605–15; facilit(y) + -ate ¹

Example Sentences

A Warner breakup then would go forward to facilitate those deals.

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She added that she will now serve as an independent councillor, aiming to "facilitate, lead, and move the debate forward".

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The loan will facilitate the reopening of the Three Mile Island Unit 1 nuclear power plant, renamed Crane Clean Energy Center.

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He added: "I have never been involved in, nor have I facilitated, encouraged, or condoned, any form of illegal or improper activity."

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It said that "an unregistered and misleading organization" had exploited the plight of the Gaza citizens, "deceived families, collected money from them, and facilitated their travel in an irregular and irresponsible manner".

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Related Words

• aid 
• ease 
• expedite 
• further 
• help 
• promote 
• simplify 
• speed