abet
uh-BET
/əˈbet/
To encourage or assist someone to do something wrong, in particular, to commit a crime.
Abet is almost always paired with 'aid' (aid and abet). It implies providing support, encouragement, or physical help to a wrongdoer.
The story behind the word. The word comes from the cruel sport of 'bear-baiting'. To 'abet' was to set the dogs on the bear—literally to 'bait' it. It shifted from hounding animals to encouraging humans to commit 'beastly' acts.
Word relationships
- assist: Assist is neutral; abet is specifically for helping with something wrong.
- hinder: Hinder means to create difficulties for someone, resulting in delay or obstruction.
Commonly confused with
- abetter: An abettor is the person who abets; 'better' is simply the comparative of good.
Word family
- abettor (noun): A person who encourages or assists in a crime.
Collocations
- aid and abet
- abet a crime
- knowingly abet
Example sentences
- "Anyone found to aid and abet the fugitive will face federal charges." A legal warning.
- "By remaining silent, the board members effectively abetted the CEO's fraudulent activities." Describing a moral failing.
Memory hook
Abet = A + Bet. You 'bet' someone they won't do something bad, which encourages them to do it. Abet: Helping a 'bad' bet.
When not to use
Don't use 'abet' for helping someone do something good. You don't 'abet' a charity; you 'assist' it.
Fun facts
- In the 14th century, 'abet' could also mean to deceive or trick, but that sense has since died out.
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