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

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

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