abet

[uh-bet]

verb (used with object)

abetted, abetting 

1. to encourage, support, or countenance by aid or approval, usually in wrongdoing.

   to abet a swindler; to abet a crime.

   Synonyms: promote, assist, aid, help
   Antonyms: discourage, hinder

abet

/ əˈbɛt /

verb

1. (tr) to assist or encourage, esp in crime or wrongdoing

Other Word Forms

• abetment noun
• abettal noun
• unabetted adjective
• unabetting adjective
• abetter noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of abet¹

First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English abette (source of Old French abeter, unless the latter, of Germanic origin, is the source of the Middle English), unattested Old English ābǣtan “to hound on,” equivalent to ā- a- ³ + bǣtan “to hunt, chase with dogs, pasture”; bait; akin to bite

Word History and Origins

Origin of abet¹

C14: from Old French abeter to lure on, entice, from beter to bait

Example Sentences

The Federal Prosecutor's Office said it considered this to be aiding and abetting attempted murder.

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"And I'm not going to aid and abet them in their efforts to do that."

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Ballmer and the other defendants are accused of fraud and aiding and abetting fraud, with the plaintiffs seeking at least $50 million in damages.

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In ensuing centuries, the U.S. invaded Mexico and annexed half its territory, dispatched Marines to Nicaragua and Haiti and abetted coups from Chile to Brazil to Guatemala.

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Yu cited the language surrounding aiding and abetting immigration in the rule, which she described as similar to how the Justice Department talks about sanctuary cities.

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Related Words

• condone 
• incite 
• instigate 
• provoke