abetted; abetting
1
: to actively second and encourage (something, such as an activity or plan)
abet the commission of a crime
2
: to assist or support (someone) in the achievement of a purpose
The singer was abetted by a skillful accompanist.
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
accused of aiding and abetting a criminal
Examples of abet in a Sentence
She abetted the thief in his getaway.
Did he abet the commission of a crime?
Their actions were shown to abet terrorism.
Recent Examples on the Web
In response to Yanukovych’s downfall, abetted by American meddling to some greater or lesser extent, Putin moved into Crimea and aided rebels in Ukraine’s eastern Donbas provinces in their armed struggle against the new pro-Western Ukrainian regime.
—
Samuel Moyn, Harpers Magazine, 16 July 2025
Since October 2023, when Hamas attacked southern Israel, sparking the war in Gaza, violence perpetrated by settlers in the West Bank has surged, often aided or abetted by Israeli security forces.
—Freddie Clayton, NBC news, 12 July 2025
The great danger of that moment was that a political backlash — abetted by a furious media and timorous politicians — would lead to a restoration of the policy of Roe.
—The Editors, National Review, 24 June 2025
Schuman is charged with one count of making a fraudulent insurance benefit claim and one count of assisting, abetting, conspiring with and soliciting a person in unlawful act, according to officials.
—Julia Marnin
july 11, Sacbee.com, 11 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for abet
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Samuel Moyn, Harpers Magazine, 16 July 2025
Since October 2023, when Hamas attacked southern Israel, sparking the war in Gaza, violence perpetrated by settlers in the West Bank has surged, often aided or abetted by Israeli security forces.
—Freddie Clayton, NBC news, 12 July 2025
The great danger of that moment was that a political backlash — abetted by a furious media and timorous politicians — would lead to a restoration of the policy of Roe.
—The Editors, National Review, 24 June 2025
Schuman is charged with one count of making a fraudulent insurance benefit claim and one count of assisting, abetting, conspiring with and soliciting a person in unlawful act, according to officials.
—Julia Marnin
july 11, Sacbee.com, 11 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for abet
Cite this Entry
“Abet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/abet. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
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