noun
Uncommon
accomplice
uh-KOM-plihs
Accomplice (noun) means a person who helps someone else commit a crime. Example: “Police believe he had an accomplice who drove the getaway car.”
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
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Word forms
- Plural
- accomplices
Fill the gap
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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."
Related words
Rhymes for accomplice
See all rhymes for accomplice →Frequently asked questions
What does “accomplice” mean?
The word “accomplice” means a person who helps someone else commit a crime. In plain terms, someone who assists a criminal, whether as the main actor or just a helper.
How do you pronounce “accomplice”?
“Accomplice” is pronounced uh-KOM-plihs (/əˈkɑm.pləs/ in IPA).
How do you use “accomplice” in a sentence?
Here is “accomplice” used in a sentence: “Police believe he had an accomplice who drove the getaway car.”
What is another word for “accomplice”?
Words with a similar meaning to “accomplice” include abettor, accessory, assistant, associate, confederate and coadjutor.
What part of speech is “accomplice”?
“Accomplice” is a noun.
Where does the word “accomplice” come from?
The word “accomplice” comes from Latin. 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.".
Is “accomplice” a common word?
“Accomplice” is an uncommon word in modern English.
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