1. assist Abet and instigate are now used almost without exception in a bad sense; one may incite either to good or evil. One incites or instigates to the doing of something not yet done, or to incre Synonyms: abet, advocate, countenance, incite, sanction, aid, embolden, instigate, support, assist, encourage, promote, uphold Antonyms: baffle, deter, dissuade, hinder, confound, disapprove, expose, impede, counteract, disconcert, frustrate, obstruct, denounce, discourage