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
Indulge Your Inner Word Nerd
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
-
So, the president seems to have abetted an autocratic government’s attempt to use cyber attacks and propaganda to spread fraudulent narratives that undermine America’s national interests.
-
Listings in our region are considerably down, as is new construction, each of which has abetted the bid up in pricing.
-
The firm thereby abetted in genocide and circumvented American sanctions on Sudan.
-
What's even worse, her best friend Casey (Meghan Lennox), who's letting Izzy temporarily crash on her couch, refuses to continue abetting her co-dependent schemes and tells her to take the bus instead.
-
In 2007, a majority-black grand jury declined to indict her in connection with the killing after considering a range of charges that included aiding and abetting murder, manslaughter and accessory after the fact.
-
Christopher Allen Bush, 26, pleaded guilty to a federal charge of aiding and abetting a commercial robbery.
-
But then, the GOP has always known that the birther-king fits said description — and abetted the mogul’s rise to power, anyway.
-
Rojonah Harris, 35, who owned and operated Harris Finance and Tax Service, faces a maximum sentence of three years in prison and a $100,000 fine on one count of aiding and abetting in the preparation of false tax returns.
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
Synonym Discussion of abet
Law Dictionary
Learn More about abet
-
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
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up abet? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!