accomplice

Etymology

First attested in the 1580s. From Middle English accomplice, from a complice, from Old French complice (“confederate”), from Latin complicare (“fold together”). The article a became part of the word, through the influence of the word accomplish.

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA^(key): /ə.ˈkʌm.plɪs/
• (US) IPA^(key): /ə.ˈkɑm.pləs/, /ə.ˈkɑm.plɪs/

• Audio (UK)

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• Audio (US)

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• Hyphenation: ac‧com‧plice

Noun

accomplice (plural accomplices)

1. (law) An associate in the commission of a crime; a participator in an offense, whether a principal or an accessory.
   • Johnson

     And thou, the cursed accomplice of his treason.

   • John Dryden

     suspected for accomplice to the fire

2. (rare) A cooperator.
   • William Shakespeare, Henry VI Part I, V-ii

     Success unto our valiant general, And happiness to his accomplices!