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

That kept them out of the oversight of city and county agencies whose officials were complicit in the deportations.

From Los Angeles Times

Later, she takes revenge on her entire clan — whom she considers complicit in keeping her committed at Arkham — by gassing them, strutting around her family’s mansion in a yellow gown and a gas mask.

From Los Angeles Times

The latest example of this came when it was accused of being complicit - as Uganda's Observer newspaper put it - in the "brazen cross-border abductions" of 36 Ugandan opposition supporters in July.

From BBC

“We do not trust the empty words of terrorist or complicit governments and neither should you.”

From BBC

Owen’s bedraggled Blanche, too exhausted to keep up with her own lies, seemed complicit in her own demise.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• conniving