abet

American  

[uh-bet] / əˈbɛt /

verb (used with object)

abetted, abetting

1. to encourage, support, or countenance by aid or approval, usually in wrongdoing.

   to abet a swindler; to abet a crime.

   Synonyms:

   promote, assist, aid, help

   Antonyms:

   discourage, hinder

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abet British  

/ əˈbɛt /

verb

1. (tr) to assist or encourage, esp in crime or wrongdoing

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Other Word Forms

• abetment noun
• abettal noun
• abetter noun
• unabetted adjective
• unabetting adjective

Etymology

Origin of abet

First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English abette (source of Old French abeter, unless the latter, of Germanic origin, is the source of the Middle English), unattested Old English ābǣtan “to hound on,” equivalent to ā- a- ³ + bǣtan “to hunt, chase with dogs, pasture”; bait; akin to bite

Example Sentences

"And I'm not going to aid and abet them in their efforts to do that."

From BBC • Nov. 17, 2025

Mexico’s complaint alleged that the named firearms manufacturers and the named distributor aid and abet rogue dealers in the U.S. who illegally sell firearms to straw purchasers.

From Slate • Jun. 6, 2025

She was one of many party members prosecuted “under the notorious Smith Act,” the marker said, which forbade attempts to advocate, abet or teach the violent destruction of the U.S. government.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 7, 2023

In June, the governor signed legislation to give local agencies clearer authority to fine landlords, suppliers and others who abet illegal operations.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 22, 2022

Oh yes, there were plenty to aid and abet him; even he could not have held a horse race without someone to race against.

From "Absalom, Absalom!" by William Faulkner

Related Words

• condone
• incite
• instigate
• provoke