Help - Crossword Clue, Answer and Explanation

'help' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

This is all the clue.

(Other definitions for abet that I've seen before include "Make good" , "Assist criminally" , "helpful" , "Beat up by way of help" , "support wrongdoing" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph, the Evening Standard and the LA Times.

(Other definitions for desk that I've seen before include "Bureau" , "Writing surface" , "Work table" , "Escritoire - service counter" , "School furniture item" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph, the Evening Standard and the LA Times.

'help' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

This is all the clue.

(Other definitions for mayday that I've seen before include "Cry of distress" , "I'm in trouble" , "Help urgently needed" , "please help" , "call for help?" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Independent, The Irish Times, the Sydney Morning Herald, The Times, the King Feature Syndicate, the Evening Standard, The Independent, the LA Times, The Guardian, The Star Tribune, The Telegraph, The New York Times, the Penny Press and The Mirror.

'help' is the definition.
(synonyms)

This is all the clue.

(Other definitions for aid that I've seen before include "Care, assistance" , "Care and help" , "Good point" , "Help or support" , "Relief" .)

I've seen this clue in the King Feature Syndicate, The Wall Street Journal, The Sun, the Evening Standard, The Independent, the LA Times, the USA Today, The Guardian, The Star Tribune, The Telegraph, The New York Times, the Universal, The Times and The Mirror.

'help' is the definition.
(emergency abbreviation SOS)

This is all the clue.

(Other definitions for sos that I've seen before include "International distress code" , "Mayday call" , "Help code in 13 Across" , "request for aid" , "Help initially, Mr Morse" .)

I've seen this clue in the King Feature Syndicate, The Wall Street Journal, The Sun, the Evening Standard, The Independent, the LA Times, the USA Today, The Guardian, The Star Tribune, The Telegraph, The New York Times, the Universal, The Times and The Mirror.

'help' is the definition.
(I know that help is a more specific form of serve)

This is all the clue.

(Other definitions for serve that I've seen before include "Distribute" , "Wait - start the game" , "Commence play in tennis" , "Start (tennis game)" , "Answer the purpose" .)

I've seen this clue in The Mirror and The New York Times.

'help' is the definition.
(I know that avail is a more specific form of help)

This is the entire clue.

(Other definitions for avail that I've seen before include "Medal (informal)" , "(Of no) use or benefit" , "Be useful" , "Be of help or advantage" , "Help, benefit" .)

I've seen this clue in The Mirror and The New York Times.

'help' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

This is the entire clue.

(Other definitions for lend a hand that I've seen before include "To assist" , "Provide help" , "Give assistance" , "Pitch in" , "Turn to and help" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph and the Evening Standard.

'help' is the definition.
(I know that help can be written as assistance)

This is all the clue.

(Other definitions for assistance that I've seen before include "Help" , "Aid" , "Support" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald, the Evening Standard and The Independent.

Help (4)