Abetted

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

1. Provided encouragement or assistance to someone in committing a wrongful act
2. Helped or supported another person in carrying out illegal or unethical behavior
3. Offered aid or encouragement that enabled someone to engage in misconduct

Etymology: "Abetted" is the past form of "abet," which entered Middle English from Old French "abeter," meaning "to entice." That verb combined "a-" ("to") with "beter," meaning "to hound on" or "urge on," a word that is also the source of English "bait." The original picture is of setting dogs on their quarry, so the verb began as a way of inciting someone to action.

Synonyms: aided, assisted, supported

Antonyms: hindered, obstructed