Word
accomplice
Phoneticsac·com·plice, stress on the second syllable
US/əˈkɑmpɫəs/
UK/ɐkˈɒmplɪs/
Definitions
01partner in a crime
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Law Formal
n. someone who helps another person commit a crime or do something illegal.
n. an associate in the commission of a crime, whether acting as a principal or an accessory.
“The police are still looking for the driver who acted as an accomplice in the robbery.”
“The prosecution argued that the defendant was not merely a bystander but a willing accomplice who provided the necessary blueprints for the heist.”
Usage
Often used with the preposition 'to' (an accomplice to the murder) or 'in' (an accomplice in the crime).
Synonyms
02a cooperator
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Archaic
n. a person who helps someone with a task, usually one that is slightly bad or secret.
n. a cooperator or associate in a non-criminal but perhaps questionable activity.
“He found a willing accomplice in his brother when it came to playing pranks on their neighbors.”
“In his later memoirs, the author refers to his editor as a faithful accomplice in the subversion of traditional literary forms.”
Teaching tip
This non-criminal sense is rare in modern English; learners should primarily use the word in legal or criminal contexts.
Real-World Examples
“The former Jeffrey Epstein accomplice loses her latest effort to be released from prison.” “The investigation remains open and further arrests are possible after some incidents reported accomplices.” “We will treat those who enable this invasion as the accomplices they are and shut them down immediately.” Etymology
First attested in 1550. From a complice, from Middle English complice, from Old French complice (“confederate”), from Latin complicāre (“fold together”). The article a became part of the word, through the influence of the word accomplish.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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