complicate

[kom-pli-keyt, kom-pli-kit]

verb (used with object)

complicated, complicating 

1. to make complex, intricate, involved, or difficult.

   His recovery from the operation was complicated by an allergic reaction.

adjective

1. complex; involved.

2. Entomology.,  folded longitudinally one or more times, as the wings of certain insects.

complicate

verb

1. to make or become complex

adjective

1. biology folded on itself

   a complicate leaf

2. a less common word for complicated

Other Word Forms

• overcomplicate verb (used with object)
• precomplicate verb (used with object)
• recomplicate verb (used with object)
• uncomplicate verb (used with object)

Word History and Origins

Origin of complicate¹

1615–25; < Latin complicātus (past participle of complicāre to fold together), equivalent to com- com- + -plic- (combining form of *plecāre to fold, akin to plectī to plait; complex ) + -ātus -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of complicate¹

C17: from Latin complicāre to fold together, from plicāre to fold

Example Sentences

The Fed faces an uncertain economic landscape with strong growth, persistent inflation, and a softening job market, complicated by delayed government data.

Read more on Barron's

To complicate matters further, some of the threats are also closely tied up with the reasons many believe we need to engage with China.

Read more on BBC

The team has a long, complicated history with its Latino community, one that started before the team moved to Los Angeles.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

One thing is for sure: the negotiations will be long and complicated.

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Another official said the ongoing US government shutdown "complicates" the relief effort but that emergency workers were given quick authorization to go ahead.

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

• convolute 
• impede 
• involve 
• muddle 
• obscure 
• perplex 
• upset