WordGarden.ioaccomplice
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /əkˈɒmplɪs/
US
- /əˈkɑmpləs/
Meanings
Noun
a person who helps another commit a crime or other wrongdoing
Beyond the definition
Imagine a mischievous duo doing something they know is wrong—one chats up the store clerk while the other slips an unpaid item into their pocket. The distractor is an accomplice: not just someone who knows what’s happening, but someone who actively helps it happen. They’re in on it. Think of classic detective stories: the villain rarely works alone; they almost always have an accomplice aiding their schemes. The word implies shared guilt and responsibility.
An accomplice is someone who helps another person commit a crime. It entails more than just knowledge beforehand—an accomplice actively participates in or facilitates the illegal act, providing assistance or support. They aren’t necessarily the ringleader; they might simply be following orders, but their involvement can still make them criminally responsible.
The context of "accomplice" is predominantly criminal. While we might jokingly refer to a friend as a "partner in crime" when breaking a diet, you wouldn't typically call a friend helping you bake a cake an "accomplice." The word carries a serious weight and implies shared responsibility for wrongdoing. Think of famous outlaw pairs like Bonnie and Clyde—they were accomplices in numerous robberies and violent crimes.
The term suggests a degree of planning or intent, distinguishing the person from a mere bystander. Someone watching a bank robbery isn't an accomplice; the person driving the getaway car is. Historically, the word derives from the Old French "complice," meaning "partner in guilt." It is a word that evokes shadows, secrets, and shared culpability—a crucial piece of any criminal puzzle.
Examples
- 1
Crime report
The police arrested two men and their accomplice after the robbery.
- 2
Investigation
The suspect refused to tell the detectives who his accomplices were.
- 3
Crime context
She claimed she was only driving the car and didn’t know she was acting as an accomplice in the crime.
- Phraseact as an accomplice
help someone do something illegal
- 4
Legal consequence
If you help him hide the evidence, you could be treated as an accomplice to fraud.
- Patternaccomplice to + crime
someone involved in that illegal act
See also
Similar
- accessory
- partner in crime
- confederate
Shades of meaning
- co-conspirator
- abettor
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- alleged accomplice
- accomplice in a robbery
- accomplice to murder
Word family
- accomplices
- accomplicity
Explore
- aiding and abetting
- conspiracy
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- accomplicenoun
Forms
- accomplicespluralnoun