abet

/ə-ˈbet/

Middle English abetten, borrowed from Anglo-French abeter, from a-, prefix in transitive verbs (going back to Latin ad- ad-beter "to harass (a bear with dogs), bait," borrowed from Old Low Franconian *bētan; akin to Old English bǣtan "to set upon (with animals), bait"

verb

  1. to actively second and encourage (something, such as an activity or plan)

  2. to assist or support (someone) in the achievement of a purpose; especially : to assist, encourage, instigate, or support with criminal intent in attempting or carrying out a crime —often used in the phrase aid and abet

abet the commission of a crime

incite instigate abet foment mean to spur to action. incite stresses a stirring up and urging on, and may or may not imply initiating. instigate definitely implies responsibility for initiating another's action and often connotes underhandedness or evil intention.

noun

  1. something that is very likely to happen or be successful

It's a good/safe/sure bet that they'll win.