What does it mean to urge, encourage or help someone, often in an illegal context?

The term that best fits the description of urging, encouraging, or helping someone, particularly in an illegal context, is “abet.” To abet someone means to actively support or facilitate wrongful acts, often by providing encouragement or assistance in committing a crime. This term is frequently used in legal contexts, where one may be charged as an accomplice for helping another in their illicit activities.

In contrast, while "advocate" refers to supporting or arguing for a cause or proposal, it does not imply any illegal context. "Assist" simply means to help someone without the connotation of wrongdoing. "Acquit" refers to a legal judgment that results in a person being found not guilty of a charge and does not relate to the idea of encouragement or support in terms of illegal activities. Thus, "abet" is the most precise term for this context.