OpenSynonym

abet

/əˈbɛt/

VERB

1. Encouraging or assisting wrongdoing

To encourage, assist, support, or facilitate someone in committing a crime, unlawful act, or other wrongdoing.

1.1. Criminal activity and unlawful conduct

Used when someone knowingly helps, encourages, or supports another person in carrying out a crime or illegal activity.

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Examples

  • The investigation revealed that several employees had helped abet the fraudulent scheme.
  • Anyone who knowingly abets a criminal enterprise may face serious legal consequences.
  • The authorities accused the businessman of aiding and abetting the illegal operation.

Related Words

1.2. Encouraging harmful or undesirable behavior

Used when someone encourages, reinforces, or enables another person's harmful, irresponsible, or destructive actions, even when the behavior is not necessarily criminal.

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Examples

  • Parents should avoid actions that abet their children's destructive habits.
  • The manager's silence only served to abet the unethical behavior within the department.
  • His constant approval seemed to abet her increasingly reckless decisions.

Related Words

VERB

2. Supporting or advancing a cause

To provide assistance, encouragement, or support that helps someone or something progress, develop, or achieve a particular objective.

2.1. Helping and supporting people or activities

Used when someone provides practical assistance, encouragement, or backing to help another person or activity succeed, without necessarily involving wrongdoing.

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Examples

  • The organization worked to abet educational development in underserved communities.
  • Financial contributions helped abet the expansion of the community healthcare program.
  • Her mentorship continued to abet the professional growth of young entrepreneurs.

Related Words