Definition of: abet

(ə·bet′) v.t. a·bet·ted, a·bet·ting
To encourage and support, especially wrong-doing or a wrong-doer; instigate; countenance. [<OF abeter incite, arouse < a- to (<L ad-) + beter tease, bait <ON beita cause to bite]
—a·bet′ment, a·bet·tal n. Synonyms: aid, assist, countenance, embolden, encourage, help, incite, instigate, promote, sanction, support, uphold. Abet and instigate are used almost without exception in a bad sense; one may incite either to good or evil. One incites or instigates to the doing of something not yet done, or to increased activity or further advance in the doing of it; one abets by giving sympathy, countenance, or substantial aid to the doing of that which is already projected or in process of commission. See AID. Antonyms: baffle, confound, counteract, denounce, deter, disapprove, disconcert, discourage, dissuade, frustrate, hinder, impede, obstruct.