əˈbet also aˈ-; usu -ed.+V transitive verb
( abetted ; abetted ; abetting ; abets )
Etymology: Middle English abetten, from Middle French abeter, from Old French, from a- (from Latin ad- ) + beter to bait, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German beizen to bait — more at bait
1. : to incite, encourage, instigate, or countenance — now usually used disparagingly
abet the commission of a crime
2. : to assist or support in the achievement of a purpose
the singer was ably abetted by her skillful accompanist
Synonyms: see incite