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

But if President Elon's accomplices in the Freedom Caucus are on a crusade against more government spending, why in the world would they agree to eliminate the debt ceiling?

From Salon

While Sindle and Napoletano weren’t technically suspects, Wilson made it clear in his interrogations that in his version of the crime, they were at least witnesses and maybe even accomplices.

From Los Angeles Times

Donald Nairn, the shop's owner, said he was trying to pull the woman off his colleague when he was punched in the face by a male accomplice.

From BBC

“Anyone, police or military, who followed the president’s orders to incapacitate the function of the National Assembly can be considered an accomplice to insurrection,” he wrote.

From Los Angeles Times

A Cambodian woman was jailed for two months and one day for acting as an accomplice by cooking meals for the mothers, the court said.

From BBC

Related Words

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