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Abetting: meaning, definitions and examples

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abetting

 

[ əˈbɛtɪŋ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

legal context

Abetting refers to the act of encouraging or assisting someone to commit a crime or an illegal act. It implies that the person providing aid or encouragement is aware of the criminal activity and is actively helping to further it. Abetting can occur in various forms, including providing information, resources, or any support that facilitates the primary offender's actions. In legal terms, someone who abets a crime may be charged with complicity in that crime, even if they did not directly participate in the act itself.

Synonyms

aiding, assisting, encouraging, facilitating

Examples of usage

  • He was accused of abetting the robbery.
  • She was charged with abetting her son's escape.
  • Abetting a criminal often results in severe penalties.
  • They were found guilty of abetting illegal gambling.

Translations

Translations of the word "abetting" in other languages:

🇵🇹 incitação

🇮🇳 उकसाना

🇩🇪 Anstiftung

🇮🇩 ajakan

🇺🇦 підбурювання

🇵🇱 podżeganie

🇯🇵 扇動

🇫🇷 incitation

🇪🇸 incitación

🇹🇷 kışkırtma

🇰🇷 선동

🇸🇦 تحريض

🇨🇿 podněcování

🇸🇰 podnecovanie

🇨🇳 煽动

🇸🇮 spodbujanje

🇮🇸 hvatning

🇰🇿 қозғау

🇬🇪 წაქეზება

🇦🇿 təşviq

🇲🇽 incitación

Word origin

The word 'abetting' originates from the Middle English term 'abetten', which means 'to help or support'. This term is derived from the Old French word 'abeter', meaning 'to bait or entice', compounded from 'a-' (to) and 'beter' (to bait). The transition of meaning from 'bating' or 'enticing' to 'encouraging to commit a crime' reflects the evolution of the language and legal terminology surrounding criminal acts. Initially used in legal contexts, 'abetting' gained broader acceptance in everyday language, highlighting the importance of complicity in unlawful actions. Its roots can be traced back to various legal traditions, emphasizing the need for accountability in aiding and abetting criminal behavior, thus ensuring that not just the primary offenders but also their accomplices face justice.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,368, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.