abet

verb \ ə-ˈbet \

Definition of abet

abetted; abetting

transitive verb

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

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abetment

play \-mənt\ noun

—

abettor

or less commonly abetter play \ə-ˈbe-tər\ noun

See abet defined for English-language learners

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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 of abet from the Web

His widow, Noor Salman, was arrested in January and faces federal charges of aiding and abetting Mateen and lying to investigators after the shooting.

— christal hayes, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Pulse nightclub shooting: FDLE releases review of agency's response, recommends changes," 24 Aug. 2017
The judge ruled last week that a trial could also proceed on behalf of the two other former prisoners — Mr. Ben Soud and Suleiman Salim — whose lawyers argued that the psychologists had aided and abetted their torture.

— sheri fink, New York Times, "Settlement Reached in C.I.A. Torture Case," 17 Aug. 2017
In 1998, Bill Clinton damaged the culture for the sake of preserving his political hide, and his party aided and abetted him every step of the way.

— david french, National Review, "Conservatives Need to Remember, Presidents Affect Culture," 16 Aug. 2017
But in the absence of technical evidence documenting Kaspersky abetting Russian espionage, how to view the integrity of the company's products comes down to a question of paranoia - and when paranoia becomes justifiable.

— chicagotribune.com, "Amid Washington Russia frenzy, Kaspersky faces backlash," 14 Aug. 2017
A San Diego defense contractor pleaded guilty Wednesday to aiding and abetting a Navy port engineer who hired the company despite their shared financial interest.

— kristina davis, sandiegouniontribune.com, "San Diego defense contractor admits conflict of interest relationship with Navy engineer," 10 Aug. 2017
Former Bullitt County Sheriff Dave Greenwell was also charged in an indictment, unsealed earlier this year, with aiding and abetting a conspiracy to distribute more than a ton of marijuana.

— darcy costello, The Courier-Journal, "Former special deputy in Bullitt County Sheriff's Office sentenced in drug conspiracy," 1 Aug. 2017
Conspiracy theorists have long pointed to the collapse of the 47-story structure as key evidence that the U.S. government orchestrated or abetted the 9/11 attacks.

— arianne cohen, Popular Mechanics, "World Trade Center 7 Report Puts 9/11 Conspiracy Theory to Rest," 1 Aug. 2017
She is scheduled for trial in March on the obstruction charge and a count of aiding and abetting her husband, Omar Mateen.

— CBS News, "Orlando nightclub shooting: Judge won't dismiss charge against gunman’s wife," 18 July 2017

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.

Origin and Etymology of 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 ¹bait

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First Known Use: 14th century

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abet Synonyms

Synonyms

incite, brew, ferment, foment, instigate, pick, provoke, raise, stir (up), whip (up)

Antonyms

hinder

Related Words

advance, cultivate, encourage, forward, foster, further, nourish, nurture, promote, sow, stimulate; detonate, set, set off, trigger; excite, galvanize, inflame (also enflame), inspire, motivate, rouse; activate, energize, enliven, fire, invigorate, jazz (up), liven (up), pep (up), quicken, stimulate, vitalize

Near Antonyms

bridle, check, constrain, curb, discourage, hold, inhibit, regulate, rein (in), restrain, tame; allay, calm, quiet, settle, soothe, still, subdue, tranquilize (also tranquillize)

Synonym Discussion of 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

Law Dictionary

abet

transitive verb \ ə-ˈbet \

legal Definition of abet

abetted; abetting

:to assist, encourage, instigate, or support with criminal intent in attempting or carrying out a crime —often used in the phrase aid and abet

—

abetment

noun

—

abettor

also abetter play \ə-ˈbe-tər\ noun

Learn More about abet

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abet Synonyms

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abet

legal Definition of abet

abetment

abettor

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