abetter
|a-bet-ter|
C1
🇺🇸
/əˈbɛtər/
🇬🇧
/əˈbɛtə/
(abet)
assist in wrongdoing
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
a person who encourages or assists someone to do something wrong, in particular to commit a crime.
The abetter was charged alongside the main perpetrator.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/04/01 07:36