Definition of ABETMENT

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

Elhassani has pleaded not guilty to federal charges accusing her of conspiracy to provide material support to the Islamic State group, also known as ISIS, and aiding and abetting individuals in providing material support to the Islamic State group. — Becky Jacobs, Post-Tribune, "Sister of woman accused of supporting ISIS shares her family's story: 'I've always been there for her'," 7 June 2019 Liberal politicians, abetted by the mainstream media, regularly document the alleged shortcomings of free-market capitalism. — Bobby Jindal, WSJ, "American Capitalism Is Fine, Thank You," 11 Mar. 2019 Salman is accused of aiding and abetting Mateen’s material support of a foreign terror organization, the Islamic State group, also known as ISIS. — Gal Tziperman Lotan, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Noor Salman trial: Prosecutors may rest their case today," 22 Mar. 2018 Noor Salman, 31, the gunman's wife, is charged with aiding and abetting the support of a foreign terrorist organization and obstruction of justice. — Christal Hayes, USA TODAY, "Orlando nightclub gunman's widow goes on trial on terror-related charges as community seeks answers," 14 Mar. 2018 This is intended to give the impression, abetted by a press corps that was... — The Editorial Board, WSJ, "Trolling the Mueller Report," 3 Apr. 2019 Salman is on trial in federal court for aiding and abetting her husband and with obstruction of justice, for lying to federal agents. — Fox News, "'I love you babe;' Orlando shooter's last text to his wife," 21 Mar. 2018 The 40-year-old Iraqi mother from Mosul was detained two months ago and is now awaiting trial for aiding and abetting Islamic State. — Isabel Coles, WSJ, "Islamic State Enlists Women as Covert Operatives in Survival Bid," 30 Jan. 2019 Now Sergio Martinez faces new charges of aiding and abetting a distribution of fentanyl that resulted in death, of possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and of money laundering, according to the statement. — Jeremy C. Fox, BostonGlobe.com, "Alleged leader of Lawrence fentanyl trafficking ring charged in death of user," 14 July 2018

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

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