abet

verb

\ ə-ˈbet

abetted; abetting

Definition of abet

1 : to actively second and encourage (something, such as an activity or plan) abet the commission of a crime

2 : to assist or support (someone) in the achievement of a purpose The singer was abetted by a skillful accompanist. especially : to assist, encourage, instigate, or support with criminal intent in attempting or carrying out a crime —often used in the phrase aid and abet accused of aiding and abetting a criminal

Other Words from abet Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More About abet

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Choose the Right Synonym for abet

incite, instigate, abet, foment mean to spur to action. incite stresses a stirring up and urging on, and may or may not imply initiating. inciting a riot instigate definitely implies responsibility for initiating another's action and often connotes underhandedness or evil intention. instigated a conspiracy abet implies both assisting and encouraging. aiding and abetting the enemy foment implies persistence in goading. fomenting rebellion

Examples of abet in a Sentence

She abetted the thief in his getaway. Did he abet the commission of a crime? Their actions were shown to abet terrorism.

Recent Examples on the Web Polls reveal shockingly high levels of isolation and loneliness among the U.S. population, conditions that are known to make people more susceptible the destructive, paranoid conspiracy theories that abet the right wing. — Astra Taylor, The New Republic, 6 May 2021 Coopting the appeal of sweatsuit comfort, this set adds enough polish to aid and abet your return to in-person plans. — Katharine K. Zarrella, WSJ, 24 Apr. 2021 The wonder is why a serious Democratic administration would aid and abet their cause. — Bret Stephens New York Times, Star Tribune, 6 Apr. 2021 Others mentioned nonreligious problems that abet the country's instability like corruption, electricity cuts and poor investment. — Louisa Loveluck, BostonGlobe.com, 6 Mar. 2021 Wittingly or not, Amazon has used its power to abet this effort. — Jason L. Riley, WSJ, 2 Mar. 2021 Police will also determine whether firearms involved in the incident were illegally possessed and identify anyone responsible for providing them as well as anyone who has or chooses to aid and abet the individual or individuals involved. — Lucas Manfredi, Fox News, 25 Jan. 2021 But Trump’s reckless attempts to sow chaos—and Republicans’ willingness to abet it—have forced a reckoning within his party and revealed the vulnerability of Americans’ centuries-old democratic traditions. — Alana Abramson, Time, 5 Jan. 2021 Great, yet another way to abet that pesky online shopping habit. — Aj Willingham, CNN, 2 Dec. 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'abet.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

History and Etymology for abet

Middle English abetten, borrowed from Anglo-French abeter, from a-, prefix in transitive verbs (going back to Latin ad- ad-) + beter "to harass (a bear with dogs), bait," borrowed from Old Low Franconian *bētan; akin to Old English bǣtan "to set upon (with animals), bait" — more at bait entry 1