abetted
/əˈbɛtɪd/
VERB
1. Encouraged or assisted wrongdoing
Helped, encouraged, or supported someone in committing a crime, harmful act, or other wrongful behavior.
1.1. Aiding criminal activity
Providing assistance, encouragement, or support to someone involved in committing a crime or illegal act.
Synonyms
- aided
- assisted
- facilitated
- supported
- instigated
- colluded
Antonyms
- hindered
- obstructed
- prevented
- discouraged
- thwarted
Examples
- He was accused of having abetted the robbery by providing information about the victim.
- The investigation revealed that several employees had abetted the fraudulent scheme.
Related Words
- accomplice
- accessory
- conspiracy
- complicity
- instigator
1.2. Encouraging harmful or improper behavior
Giving approval, encouragement, or support that helps someone continue or carry out harmful, dishonest, or unethical conduct.
Synonyms
- encouraged
- promoted
- fostered
- condoned
- endorsed
Antonyms
- discouraged
- condemned
- opposed
- disapproved
- prevented
Examples
- By ignoring repeated violations, the manager abetted the unethical behavior.
- Their silence abetted the spread of misinformation.
Related Words
- approval
- complicity
- misconduct
- wrongdoing
- tolerance
VERB
2. Helped or facilitated an action
Provided assistance or support that made an activity, process, or development easier or more successful.
2.1. Providing practical assistance
Helping someone accomplish a task or carry out an activity by offering support or making the process easier.
Synonyms
- helped
- aided
- assisted
- supported
- facilitated
- furthered
Antonyms
- hindered
- impeded
- obstructed
- hampered
- frustrated
Examples
- The additional funding abetted the team's efforts to complete the project.
- Several local organizations abetted the recovery efforts by providing essential supplies.
Related Words
- assistance
- cooperation
- contribution
- support
- help