Langimage
English

abetment

|a-bet-ment|

C1

/əˈbɛtmənt/

(abet)

assist in wrongdoing

Base Form3rd Person Sing.PastPast ParticiplePresent ParticipleNounNoun
abetabetsabettedabettedabettingabetmentabettors
Etymology
Etymology Information

'abet' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'abeter,' where 'a-' meant 'to' and 'beter' meant 'to bait or incite.'

Historical Evolution

'abeter' transformed into the Middle English word 'abette,' and eventually became the modern English word 'abet.'

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'to incite or encourage,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to assist or encourage in wrongdoing.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

the act of encouraging or assisting someone to do something wrong, especially a crime.

His abetment in the robbery led to his arrest.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/04/01 06:06