From Middle English abetten, abette, from Old French abeter (“to entice”), from a- (“to”) + beter (“hound on, urge, to bait”), either from Middle Dutch bētan (“incite”) or from Old Norse beita (“to cause to bite, bait, incite”), from Proto-Germanic *baitijaną (“to cause to bite”), from Proto-Indo-European *bʰeyd- (“to split”). Cognate with Icelandic beita (“to set dogs on; to feed”). Alternate etymology traces the Middle English and Old French words through Old English *ābǣtan (“to hound on”), from ā- + bǣtan (“to bait”), from the same source (Proto-Germanic *baitijaną). See also bait, bet.

Synonyms

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collude conspire connive patronize support sanction instigate actuate goose foment drive encourage

Antonyms

deter

Related words

support further force energy street drive movement campaign

Rhymes for abet

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Frequently asked questions

What is the meaning of abet?

"abet" (verb) means to help or encourage someone to do something wrong, especially a crime.

What is another word for abet?

Other words for "abet" include collude, conspire, connive, patronize, support, sanction.

What is the opposite of abet?

The opposite of "abet" is deter.

What are the different meanings of abet?

"abet" has 3 main meanings: 1. To help or encourage someone to do something wrong, especially a crime; 2. To support or back up a good cause, opinion or action; 3. To push someone towards doing something worthwhile.

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