Disenabling

/ˌdɪsɪˈneɪblɪŋ/ adjective

Definition

Serving to make someone unable or incapable; causing loss of power, ability, or agency.

Etymology

Present participle of disenable used as an adjective; the -ing form emphasizes the ongoing or dynamic nature of stripping away capability.

Kelly Says

Social scientists today use 'disenabling structures' to describe how systems (like poverty or discrimination) actively prevent people from succeeding—though they usually say 'disabling' instead, this older word is more precise about the active process.

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