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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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.
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
First Known Use: 14th century
Synonym Discussion of abet
Law Dictionary
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See words that rhyme with abet Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for abet Spanish Central: Translation of abet Nglish: Translation of abet for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of abet for Arabic speakers
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