# accessaryship

CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/accessaryship
Updated: 2026-06-04

## Definition

the legal state of being involved in a crime, even if you did not do the act yourself. It usually means you helped or encouraged the person who committed the crime.

For teachers: the state of being an accomplice or participant in a crime, typically through prior agreement or by providing assistance. Often used in legal contexts to distinguish between the principal offender and those who aided or abetted the crime.

## Examples

- The court considered his accessaryship in the robbery case.
- While the main thief was arrested at the scene, the prosecution also sought to prove the defendant's accessaryship through his financial records.
- The legal distinction between principal and accessaryship remains a cornerstone of criminal law, ensuring that those who provide logistical support or encouragement are held equally accountable for the resulting offense.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.