abet

[ uh-bet ]

/ əˈbɛt /

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See synonyms for: abet / abetted / abetting / abetment on Thesaurus.com

verb (used with object), a·bet·ted, a·bet·ting.

to encourage, support, or countenance by aid or approval, usually in wrongdoing: to abet a swindler; to abet a crime.

OTHER WORDS FOR abet

help, aid, assist; promote.

See synonyms for abet on Thesaurus.com

OPPOSITES FOR abet

hinder, discourage.

See antonyms for abet on Thesaurus.com

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Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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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”; see origin at bait; akin to bite

OTHER WORDS FROM abet

a·bet·ment, a·bet·tal, nounun·a·bet·ted, adjectiveun·a·bet·ting, adjective

Words nearby abet

aberrant, aberration, Aberystwyth, ab esse, abessive, abet, abetalipoproteinemia, abettor, ab extra, abeyance, abeyant

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use abet in a sentence

Consequently, they have also aided and abetted that terror organization with their misguided, short-sighted policies.
The MAGA Movement’s a Bigger Threat to America Than the Taliban|David Rothkopf|August 26, 2021|The Daily Beast
In court Wednesday, he admitted to two federal counts of conspiracy and aiding and abetting the obstruction of an official proceeding.
U.S. arrests more than a dozen in Capitol riot, among the most made public in a single day|Spencer Hsu, Rachel Weiner|June 30, 2021|Washington Post
The 28-page indictment unsealed Thursday accuses the men of felony counts of conspiracy and aiding and abetting the obstruction of a joint session of Congress, although only one defendant allegedly entered the Capitol.
Alleged supporters of right-wing Three Percenters group charged in new Jan. 6 Capitol riot conspiracy|Spencer Hsu, Rachel Weiner|June 10, 2021|Washington Post
The three other ex-cops are facing trial in August on separate charges of aiding and abetting Chauvin.
Floyd Cops to Face New Trial After Indictment on Federal Civil Rights Charges|Pilar Melendez|May 7, 2021|The Daily Beast

Romeo Francisco Ramirez, Cristian Andy Santay-Rosales and Diego Rigoberto Lopez, each 18, of Washington, pleaded guilty to four federal counts of conspiracy, aiding and abetting, and carjacking.
Three District teenagers, each 18, plead guilty to day-long spree of eight armed carjackings Oct. 26|Spencer Hsu|April 16, 2021|Washington Post
Those who did so used their medical training not to care for patients, but to abet their abuse.
‘Rectal Feeding’ Has Nothing to Do with Nutrition, Everything to Do with Torture|Russell Saunders|December 10, 2014|DAILY BEAST
To view these nudes is not quite to abet evil, but it is to undermine decency.
From ISIS Videos to JLaw Nudes, When Is Looking Abetting Evil?|Michael Daly|September 3, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Yet, far from nudging Rajapaksa toward greater accountability, their presence in Sri Lanka is likely only to abet his rise.
Mahinda Rajapaksa and Sri Lanka’s Reign of Terror|Kapil Komireddi|November 15, 2013|DAILY BEAST
He was there to aid and abet when Wade got hot in the fourth quarter.
The Vindication of LeBron James|Buzz Bissinger|June 1, 2011|DAILY BEAST
Our political leaders need to demand that their colleague step down immediately, not aid and abet the barbarian criminal.
Did This Senator Beat Up His Girlfriend?|Amy Siskind|April 6, 2009|DAILY BEAST
Persons procuring, contriving, or consenting, come within the words aid and abet.
The Trial of Theodore Parker|Theodore Parker
Nature seemed to aid and abet Dinah, who, as Bianchon had predicted, gradually developed a heart-felt passion.
Parisians in the Country|Honore de Balzac
She that you used to abet in her quarrels with Mrs. Williams, and call out,' At her again, Poll!
Autobiography, Letters and Literary Remains of Mrs. Piozzi (Thrale) (2nd ed.) (2 vols.)|Mrs. Hester Lynch Piozzi
All the better, my dear young lady, that is if you are willing to aid and abet me a little.
The Celebrity at Home|Violet Hunt
That is why I consent to abet a crime, and keep still about it.
The Devil's Own|Randall Parrish

British Dictionary definitions for abet

abet

/ (əˈbɛt) /

verb abets, abetting or abetted

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

Derived forms of abet

abetment or abettal, nounabetter or esp law abettor, noun

Word Origin for abet

C14: from Old French abeter to lure on, entice, from beter to bait

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

abet

OTHER WORDS FOR abet

OPPOSITES FOR abet

Origin of abet

OTHER WORDS FROM abet

Words nearby abet

Words related to abet

How to use abet in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for abet

Derived forms of abet

Word Origin for abet