Definition

1. Verb:
   • To assist, support, encourage, or approve of an action, typically one that is wrong, illegal, or unethical. The word often implies being an accomplice or helper in a blameworthy act.

Usage

• The verb "abet" is typically used in legal or formal contexts to describe aiding a crime or wrongdoing. It is often followed by the preposition "in" (abet someone in something) or used in the phrase "aid and abet."
• It is a transitive verb, requiring a direct object (the person being assisted).

Examples

• Verb:
  • He was charged with aiding and abetting the thief.
  • By providing the false documents, she abetted the fraud.
  • You should not abet your friend in breaking the rules.

Advanced Usage

• "Aid and abet": This is a common legal phrase where "aid" and "abet" are used together for emphasis, meaning to help and encourage someone to commit a crime.
  • The driver was accused of aiding and abetting the bank robbers by serving as the getaway driver.

Variants and Related Words

• Abettor (noun): A person who abets or encourages someone to do something wrong.
  • The police arrested the principal thief and his abettor.

Synonyms

• Assist (in wrongdoing)
• Encourage (in a negative sense)
• Condone
• Incite
• Instigate (Note: "instigate" often means to initiate or provoke the action, while "abet" focuses more on supporting an ongoing or planned action.)

Antonyms

• Discourage
• Deter
• Hinder
• Prevent

Idioms and Phrases

• "Aid and abet": As mentioned above, this is the most common fixed phrase using "abet." It is a standard term in criminal law.
  • The law punishes those who aid and abet a crime as severely as the primary offender.

Verb

1. assist or encourage, usually in some wrongdoing