To facilitate means to make something easier or help it happen more smoothly. A teacher might facilitate a class discussion by asking questions that get students talking and thinking. A good moderator facilitates a debate by keeping speakers on track and making sure everyone gets a chance to speak.

When you facilitate something, you're not doing it yourself, you're helping others do it better. Think of a soccer coach who facilitates teamwork by organizing drills that teach players how to pass and communicate. Or a librarian who facilitates research by showing students where to find reliable sources.

If your family is planning a reunion and someone facilitates the planning by creating a shared calendar and collecting everyone's ideas, they're removing obstacles and helping the event come together.

You might hear about someone facilitating a workshop, facilitating negotiations between two groups who disagree, or facilitating learning through hands-on activities. In each case, they're helping things run smoothly, clearing the path, and helping things work the way they should.