abet
UK: əˈbɛt | US: əˈbɛt
vt. to encourage or support someone to commit wrongdoing
vt. to assist in achieving an illegal or harmful goal
The word "abet" originated in the 14th century from Old French "abeter," which combined the Germanic idea of "baiting" (provoking) with the directional prefix "a-." It originally described urging dogs to attack, later expanding to mean encouraging any harmful behavior. The modern sense retains this logic of active encouragement toward wrongdoing.
He was accused of abetting the thief by providing a getaway car.
The corrupt official abetted the fraud scheme for years.
Silence in the face of injustice can unintentionally abet oppression.
The law punishes those who aid and abet criminal activities.
Her lies abetted his reckless behavior, leading to disaster.