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

It states: "He facilitated the unlawful arrival of persons into the United Kingdom who were not United Kingdom nationals nor permanent residents... with a view to obtaining a benefit for himself, namely money."

From BBC

Qatar's foreign ministry said it had facilitated the release of Mr Amiry and that he was on his way to Doha before travelling to the US.

From BBC

During World War One, Britain invaded Palestine, driving out the Ottoman Turks, and it facilitated its promise for a Jewish homeland made in the 1917 Balfour Declaration.

From BBC

Scammers used fraudulent documents to create fake identities, facilitating financial transactions and concealing their real identities while engaging victims.

From BBC

Israel has insisted it acts in accordance with international law and facilitates the entry of aid.

From BBC

Related Words

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