accomplice

[uh-kom-plis]

noun

1. a person who knowingly helps another in a crime or wrongdoing, often as a subordinate.

accomplice

/ əˈkʌm-, əˈkɒmplɪs /

noun

1. a person who helps another in committing a crime

Word History and Origins

Origin of accomplice¹

First recorded in 1475–85; a(c) of uncertain origin + late Middle English complice, from Middle French, from Medieval Latin complici- (stem of complex ) “partner”; complex

Word History and Origins

Origin of accomplice¹

C15: from a complice, interpreted as one word. See _complice

Example Sentences

His alleged accomplice told police that Quintero wanted to zip-tie Franco’s family before robbing him as payback for a drug deal gone wrong.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

In 1869 he and an accomplice attempted to corner the gold market, sending prices soaring.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

“Potential witnesses, suspects, or accomplices could be on the other side of the world,” Allen said.

Read more on Salon

DiCaprio stars as Bob, a paranoid ex-revolutionary living off-grid, who reunites with former accomplices as he's forced to confront an old nemesis after his daughter goes missing.

Read more on BBC

Officials are still examining whether “anyone was involved as an accomplice.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• aide 
• associate 
• co-conspirator 
• collaborator 
• conspirator