# abettor

CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/abettor
Updated: 2026-05-18

## Definition

a person who helps someone else commit a crime. This person might not do the crime themselves, but they give advice or support to the person who does.

For teachers: a person who knowingly and intentionally encourages, assists, or facilitates the commission of a crime by another. Often used in legal contexts to distinguish between the principal offender and those who provide secondary support.

## Examples

- The abettor was sentenced to prison for his role in the robbery.
- The court found the abettor guilty of conspiracy to commit fraud, even though he did not sign the final documents.
- Legal scholars often debate whether an abettor can be held equally responsible for the consequences of a crime if they did not physically participate in its execution.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.