abetter
/əˈbɛtər/
NOUN
1. A person who encourages or assists wrongdoing
A person who helps, encourages, or supports another person in committing a crime, offense, or wrongful act.
1.1. Participation in criminal activity
A person who knowingly assists, encourages, or participates in the commission of a crime or illegal act.
Synonyms
- abettor
- accomplice
- accessory
- accessary
- aider
- assistant
- collaborator
- confederate
- co-conspirator
- instigator
Antonyms
Examples
- The police identified him as an abetter who had helped organize the robbery.
- The prosecution accused the businessman of being an abetter in the fraudulent scheme.
Related Words
- abetment
- complicity
- conspiracy
- criminal
- offender
- perpetrator
- instigation
1.2. Encouraging or supporting another person's actions
A person who backs, encourages, or supports someone else's actions, plans, or activities, especially when those actions are questionable or harmful.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Examples
- The investigation sought to identify the abetters who had encouraged the group's activities.
- He was regarded as an abetter of the controversial campaign because he consistently supported its leaders.
Related Words
- support
- encouragement
- advocacy
- assistance
- endorsement
- cooperation