Abet — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb /ə-ˈbet/

Meaning & Definition of Abet

Abet (verb)

  1. to actively second and encourage (something, such as an activity or plan)
  2. to assist or support (someone) in the achievement of a purpose; especially, to assist, encourage, instigate, or support with criminal intent in attempting or carrying out a crime —often used in the phrase aid and abet

Abet (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to bring (something volatile or intense) into being

    "the belief that violent entertainment abets violent behavior in the people who partake of it"

    similar: brew, ferment, foment, incite, instigate, pick, provoke, raise, stir (up), whip (up), set in motion
    related: advance, cultivate, encourage, forward, foster, further, nourish, nurture, promote, sow, stimulate, detonate, set, set off, trigger, excite, galvanize, inflame, inspire, motivate, rouse, activate, energize, enliven, fire, invigorate, jazz (up), liven (up), pep (up), quicken, vitalize
    near: bridle, check, constrain, curb, discourage, hold, inhibit, regulate, rein (in), restrain, tame, allay, calm, quiet, settle, soothe, still, subdue, tranquilize

  2. to provide (someone) with what is useful or necessary to achieve an end

    "car thieves are often unwittingly abetted by owners foolishly leaving the keys in the ignition"

    similar: aid, assist, back, backstop, help, prop (up), support, bear a hand, to stand one in good stead
    related: advance, ease, facilitate, forward, foster, further, launch, champion, endorse, patronize, promote, sponsor, attend, care (for), comfort, minister (to), succor, sustain, bolster, boost, buttress, reinforce, advise, counsel, guide, mentor, nurture, bail out, deliver, rescue, save, embolden, encourage, hearten, benefit, favor, oblige, profit, serve
    opposite: hinder
    near: balk, bar, block, constrain, hamper, handicap, hold back, impede, inhibit, obstruct, restrain, strangle, baffle, foil, frustrate, inconvenience, interfere, oppose, sabotage, thwart, desert, disappoint, fail, let down, discourage, dishearten, repress, retard, stifle, straiten, stunt, damage, harm, hurt, injure

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Abet

The most common words with a similar meaning to Abet:

brew, ferment, foment, incite, instigate, pick, provoke, raise, stir (up), whip (up), aid, assist, back, backstop, help, prop (up), support, set in motion, bear a hand, to stand one in good stead

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Abet

Words with the opposite meaning of Abet:

hinder

Related Words for Abet

advance, cultivate, encourage, forward, foster, further, nourish, nurture, promote, sow, stimulate, detonate, set, set off, trigger, excite, galvanize, inflame, inspire, motivate, rouse, activate, energize, enliven, fire, invigorate, jazz (up), liven (up), pep (up), quicken

Near Antonyms of Abet

bridle, check, constrain, curb, discourage, hold, inhibit, regulate, rein (in), restrain, tame, allay, calm, quiet, settle, soothe, still, subdue, tranquilize, balk, bar, block, hamper, handicap, hold back, impede, obstruct, strangle, baffle, foil

Word Forms of Abet

Inflections: abetted, abetting

Derived words: abetment (noun), abettor (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Abet

Middle English abetten, borrowed from Anglo-French abeter, from a-, prefix in transitive verbs (going back to Latin ad- ad-) + beter "to harass (a bear with dogs), bait," borrowed from Old Low Franconian *bētan; akin to Old English bǣtan "to set upon (with animals), bait" bait:1

First known use: 14th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Abet

Frequently Asked Questions about Abet

What does "Abet" mean?

"Abet" means to actively second and encourage (something, such as an activity or plan). As a verb, it is defined as: to actively second and encourage (something, such as an activity or plan). It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Abet"?

Other words for "Abet" include brew, ferment, foment, incite, instigate, pick, provoke and raise. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Abet" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Abet"?

There are 83 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Abet". Common alternatives include brew, ferment, foment, incite, instigate, pick, provoke, raise, stir (up) and whip (up).

What is the opposite of "Abet"?

Antonyms of "Abet" include hinder. Near antonyms include bridle, check, constrain and curb.

How do you use "Abet" in a sentence?

Examples of "Abet" in a sentence: "the belief that violent entertainment abets violent behavior in the people who partake of it"; "car thieves are often unwittingly abetted by owners foolishly leaving the keys in the ignition".

Is "Abet" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Abet" is a verb.

Is "Abet" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a C2-level word, "Abet" is typical of Cambridge C2 Proficiency (CPE), IELTS band 8.5–9.0, TOEFL iBT 114–120, PTE Academic 85–90. Advanced words like this are also useful for the GRE, SAT, GMAT, and LSAT.

How do you pronounce "Abet"?

"Abet" is pronounced /ə-ˈbet/.