abets
v. C1 Advanced abets
v. to help someone do something illegal or wrong. You use this when you are not the main person doing the crime, but you encourage or support them.
v. to encourage, support, or assist in the commission of an illegal or unethical act. Transitive; requires a direct object representing the person or action being supported.
He was arrested because he abets his brother's crimes.
The company was fined for abetting the illegal dumping of hazardous waste by its suppliers.
Legal scholars often debate whether a person can be held responsible for abetting a crime if they only provide general advice without specific intent to assist in the act.