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DictionaryfacilitateMaking easier
verb

facilitate

fuh-SIL-ih-tayt/fəˈsɪlɪteɪt/

To make an action or process easier.

The sturdy ramp facilitates moving the heavy crate over the threshold.

A facilitator supplies a sturdy ramp that lets a team roll a heavy crate over a small threshold; action made easier, plausible load and ramp.
Etymology
facilitateFrenchto make easy

French faciliter means 'to make easy.' That idea remains central: facilitating an action or process means reducing the difficulty involved in carrying it out.

In context

Inside Out Habitual32:01
he's going to try and get out to hospital to facilitate an escape.
Vanessa Frake (MBE): Life as a Prison Governor

More examples

  • Shared calendars facilitate scheduling across different time zones.
  • The counselor facilitates open discussion between family members.
  • The new bridge has facilitated travel between the two towns.

Forms

facilitate · facilitates · facilitated · facilitating

facilitation noun — The act of making a process easier.

facilitator noun — Someone who helps a process run smoothly.

Similar words

ease
Often emphasizes reducing effort, discomfort, or difficulty directly.
simplify
Specifically means making something less complicated or complex.
assist
Emphasizes providing help rather than making a process easier.