accomplice

American  

[uh-kom-plis] / əˈkɒm plɪs /

noun

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

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accomplice British  

/ əˈkʌm-, əˈkɒmplɪs /

noun

1. a person who helps another in committing a crime

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Etymology

Origin of accomplice

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

Example Sentences

The court also rebuked the CBI for building its case on statements made by approvers - accomplices who turn state's witnesses in exchange for a pardon or reduced sentences.

From BBC

She had three accomplices arranged in the circle, a neighbor and two cousins, who also knocked when necessary, and rearranged objects in the dark.

From Literature

At first, Zamora was helped by an accomplice, a technician for Portugal’s national flag carrier TAP—the company that would ultimately uncover the scam.

From The Wall Street Journal

Some of them were genuine certificates supplied by an accomplice working as a technician at an airline, but with details altered on his home computer.

From BBC

The public was again denied vital information about Epstein’s criminal network when his longtime accomplice, Ghislaine Maxwell, refused to answer questions from Congress on Monday.

From Salon

Related Words

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