Main Entry:

abet

Pronunciation:

\ə-ˈbet\

Function:

transitive verb

Inflected Form(s):

abet·ted; abet·ting

Etymology:

Middle English abetten, from Anglo-French abeter, from a- (from Latin ad-) + beter to bait, of Germanic origin; akin to Old English bǣtan to bait

Date:

14th century

1 : to actively second and encourage (as an activity or plan) 2 : to assist or support in the achievement of a purpose

synonyms see incite

— abet·ment \-mənt\ noun

— abet·tor also abet·ter \ə-ˈbe-tər\ noun