complicity

[ kuhm-plis-i-tee ]

noun

plural complicities.

1. the state of being an accomplice; partnership or involvement in wrongdoing:

   complicity in a crime.

   Synonyms: connivance, implication, intrigue, collusion

complicity

/ kəmˈplɪsɪtɪ /

noun

1. the fact or condition of being an accomplice, esp in a criminal act
2. a less common word for complexity

Other Word Forms

• com·plici·tous adjective
• noncom·plici·ty noun plural noncomplicities

Word History and Origins

Origin of complicity¹

1650–60; < Late Latin complic-, stem of complex complice + -ity

Example Sentences

The news has been a steady, depressing drumbeat of complicity tales lately.

From Salon

It is not merely that people surrender to authoritarianism, but that they are fashioned by it, habituated to its violence, until resistance feels futile and complicity feels natural.

From Salon

Still, it inspires hope in some that Rubio knows his complicity with Trump's fascist designs is wrong.

From Salon

The op-ed called for Tufts “to end its complicity with Israel insofar as it is oppressing the Palestinian people and denying their right to self-determination — a right guaranteed by international law.“

From Salon

The full extent of the plot, the complicity of the club's medical staff and coaches, couldn't come out.

From BBC

Related Words

• collaboration
• collusion
• connivance
• guilt
• involvement
• manipulation