abet
Translation
to aid (wrongdoing), to assist (a crime), to incite
Examples
He was accused of aiding and abetting the thief.
He was accused of aiding and abetting the thief.
Grammar Patterns
((sb.)) to abet ((sb./sth.)) to help or encourage someone to do something wrong She was accused of abetting the crime.
Similar Words
Synonyms: aid, assist, incite, condone; Antonyms: hinder, obstruct
Etymology
From Old French 'abeter', from 'a-' (to) + 'beter' (to bait, to hound on). Literally 'to bait on'.
Memory Tips
Think of encouraging someone to make 'a bet'. You 'abet' them in a risky action. Often used in the legal phrase 'aiding and abetting'.