noun
accomplice
uh-KOM-plihs
noun
1
A person who helps someone else commit a crime.
"Police believe he had an accomplice who drove the getaway car."
"She was charged as an accomplice to the robbery, not the main offender."
How to Use Accomplice
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone who assists a criminal, whether as the main actor or just a helper.
Common pairings
an accomplice to
aided by an accomplice
Word Forms
accomplices plural
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Police believe he had an _____ who drove the getaway car.
Etymology
From Old French complice, "confederate," from Latin complicare, "to fold together." The initial "a" got stuck onto the word over time, likely by confusion with "accomplish."