complicate

[ verb kom-pli-keyt; adjective kom-pli-kit ]

verb (used with object)

, com·pli·cat·ed, com·pli·cat·ing.

1. to make complex, intricate, involved, or difficult:

   His recovery from the operation was complicated by an allergic reaction.

adjective

1. complex; involved.
2. Entomology. folded longitudinally one or more times, as the wings of certain insects.

complicate

verb

1. to make or become complex

adjective

1. biology folded on itself

   a complicate leaf

2. a less common word for complicated

Other Words From

• o·ver·com·pli·cate verb (used with object) overcomplicated overcomplicating
• pre·com·pli·cate verb (used with object) precomplicated precomplicating
• re·com·pli·cate verb (used with object) recomplicated recomplicating
• un·com·pli·cate verb (used with object) uncomplicated uncomplicating

Word History and Origins

Origin of complicate¹

1615–25; < Latin complicātus (past participle of complicāre to fold together), equivalent to com- com- + -plic- (combining form of *plecāre to fold, akin to plectī to plait; complex ) + -ātus -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of complicate¹

C17: from Latin complicāre to fold together, from plicāre to fold

Example Sentences

The full report’s release may complicate Hegseth’s Senate confirmation process next year, one of at least four cabinet appointees who were involved in past or ongoing sexual misconduct investigations.

From Salon

"It's very complicated because we don't actually know how to help communities facing these simultaneous shocks."

From Science Daily

While the ships were bigger and more complicated than anything previously attempted by the small Port Glasgow shipyard, the new owners were promising new investment and were confident they could deliver them.

From BBC

This makes them prohibitively expensive and complicated to build.

From BBC

It also highlights the artist’s dynamic life and complicated relationship with her late ex-husband Sonny Bono.

From Salon

Related Words

• convolute
• impede
• involve
• muddle
• obscure
• perplex
• upset