1. Home
2. Idioms
3. abet

abet

---

---

abet (someone) in

To help someone in an activity, usually an illegal one. If you drove the robber's getaway car, then you abetted him in a crime! Everyone thinks you abetted Connie in starting this rumor.

See also: abet

aid and abet

To assist someone, usually in a mischievous or illegal activity. Gary was arrested and charged with aiding and abetting the jewelry thief. I know other kids aided and abetted Paul in egging our house—he's just the only one who got caught.

See also: abet, aid, and

abet someone in something

to help someone in some deed; to help someone do something illegal. Surely you do not expect me to abet you in this crime!

See also: abet

aid and abet someone

Cliché to help someone; to incite someone to do something, possibly something that is wrong. (Originally a legal phrase.) He was scolded for aiding and abetting the boys who were fighting.

See also: abet, aid, and