complicate

American  

[kom-pli-keyt, kom-pli-kit] / ˈkɒm plɪˌkeɪt, ˈkɒm plɪ kɪt /

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.

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adjective

1. complex; involved.

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

complicate British  

verb

1. to make or become complex

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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)

Etymology

Origin of complicate

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

Example Sentences

But now, Hummel is like a chef who has memorized a complicated recipe.

From The Wall Street Journal

However, the ship’s new Russian registration now complicates the U.S. legal justification for boarding it, experts say.

From The Wall Street Journal

Ankara had called for the agreement to come into force by the end of 2025, but the group's integration has proven complicated.

From Barron's

Consumer credit expert John Ulzheimer said in July that liens can complicate a person’s ability to obtain a mortgage or a company’s chances of securing lines of credit.

From Los Angeles Times

When they break, repairs can get complicated quickly.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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