Abetment is a term that is often used in legal contexts. It refers to the act of encouraging or aiding someone to commit a crime or an offense. Abetment can take many forms, including providing assistance, advice, or moral support to someone who is planning to engage in criminal activity. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of abetment, as well as its origins, associations, and synonyms.
Definitions
Abetment can be defined as the act of encouraging or assisting someone to commit a crime or an offense. According to the Indian Penal Code, abetment is defined as “the intentional aiding or encouraging of another person to commit an offense.” In the United States, abetment is often referred to as “aiding and abetting,” which is defined as “knowingly helping someone else commit a crime.”
Origin
The word “abetment” comes from the Old French word “abetir,” which means “to encourage.” The term was first used in English in the 14th century, and it has been used in legal contexts ever since.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, abetment is defined as “the act of abetting.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines abetment as “the action of abetting or encouraging someone to do something wrong.” The Cambridge Dictionary defines abetment as “the act of helping or encouraging someone to do something wrong.”
Associations
Abetment is often associated with criminal activity, as it involves encouraging or aiding someone to commit a crime or an offense. It is also associated with the legal system, as abetment is considered a crime in many jurisdictions.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of abetment include:
- Aiding and abetting.
- Assisting.
- Encouraging.
- Facilitating.
- Helping.
- Supporting.
Antonyms
Some antonyms of abetment include:
- Discouraging.
- Hindering.
- Impeding.
- Obstructing.
- Preventing.
The same root words
Some words that share the same root as abetment include:
- Abettor.
- Betray.
- Betrayer.
- Betroth.
Example Sentences
- The defendant was charged with abetment for helping his friend commit the crime.
- The police arrested the woman for abetment after she provided her boyfriend with the weapon he used to commit the murder.
- The judge found the defendant guilty of abetment for encouraging his accomplice to rob the bank.
- The lawyer argued that his client was not guilty of abetment because he did not know that his friend was planning to commit the crime.
- The prosecutor accused the defendant of aiding and abetting the drug dealer by providing him with a safe house.