complicit

[kuhm-plis-it]

adjective

1. choosing to be involved in an illegal or questionable act, especially with others; having complicity.

complicit

/ ˌkɒmˈplɪsɪt /

adjective

1. involved with others in reprehensible or illegal activity

Word History and Origins

Origin of complicit¹

First recorded in 1855–60; back formation from complicity

Word History and Origins

Origin of complicit¹

C20: back formation from _complicity

Example Sentences

"We don't want Canada to be complicit in this treatment, and the potential result that they could be sent to any number of countries with their own abysmal human rights record," he tells the BBC.

From BBC

Since then, members of the main opposition Chadema party have launched a search across Mbeya and have held prayer vigils demanding answers from the police, whom they suspect to be complicit in the incident.

From BBC

A Los Angeles city councilmember has openly opposed Home Depot’s plans to open a new location at Eagle Rock Plaza, claiming the home improvement retailer has been complicit with immigration enforcement operations.

From Los Angeles Times

Those numbers show that, on the subject of Israel and Gaza, the DNC’s officers are guilty of political malpractice — and actively complicit with what most Democrats in the nation see as genocide.

From Salon

"Those who distribute this material are not passive bystanders, they are complicit perpetrators."

From BBC

Related Words

• conniving