Definition

1. Noun:
   • The act of encouraging, supporting, or assisting someone, especially in doing something wrong or illegal: "Abetment" refers to the action of urging on, aiding, or promoting an activity, typically one that is criminal or wrongful.
   • The verbal act of urging on: Specifically, it can denote the act of encouraging or inciting someone through words.

Usage and Examples

• Noun:
  • The prosecutor argued that his constant encouragement constituted abetment of the crime.
  • She was charged with abetment for providing the plans to the thieves.
  • His abetment in the fraud made him an accomplice.

Advanced Usage and Notes

• Legal Context: In legal terminology, "abetment" is a formal term often used in charges and statutes related to being an accessory to a crime. It implies active encouragement or assistance.
  • The law distinguishes between committing a crime and the abetment of that crime.
• "Aid and abetment": A common legal phrase where "abetment" is paired with "aid" to cover both physical assistance and verbal encouragement.
  • He was convicted for aiding and abetting the escape.

Variants and Related Words

• Abet (verb): To encourage, support, or assist (someone), typically in doing something wrong.
  • He was accused of abetting the criminal.
• Abettor (noun): A person who abets or encourages someone to do something wrong.
  • The police are searching for his abettors.
• Abettal (noun): A less common variant with the same meaning as "abetment".

Synonyms

• Incitement: The action of provoking unlawful behavior or urging someone to act.
• Instigation: The act of initiating or prompting an action, often a bad one.
• Encouragement: The act of giving support, confidence, or hope.

Antonyms

• Discouragement: The action of attempting to persuade someone against an action.
• Deterrence: The action of discouraging an action or event through fear of the consequences.
• Prevention: The action of stopping something from happening.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• To aid and abet: A fixed legal phrase meaning to assist and encourage someone in committing a crime or wrongdoing.
  • The driver was found guilty of aiding and abetting the robbery.

Noun

1. the verbal act of urging on