English vocabulary · C2
Abet
/əˈbet/ · v.
To abet someone is to help that person do something wrong. You may give help or say yes, and that makes the bad act easier to do.
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Example sentences
- Please do not abet a thief.
- Friends can abet cheating.
Word origin and roots
from Old French
- abeter — cause to bite (from Old French)
Synonyms and nuances
- ASSIST — help someone do something (Giving help)
- AID — give useful help (Providing support)
- ENCOURAGE — give someone hope to act (Making action likely)
Similar words
- assist
- aid
- encourage
- support
- promote
Lesson notes
To abet someone is to help that person do something wrong. You may give help or say yes, and that makes the bad act easier to do.
Related: assist, aid, encourage. Use abet when help supports wrong acts.
Please do not abet a thief. Friends can abet cheating.
From Old French. abeter- means cause to bite. From causing a bite, abet came to mean helping someone do wrong.