accomplice
UK: əˈkʌmplɪs | US: əˈkɑːmplɪs
n. a person who helps another commit a crime or wrongdoing
The word "accomplice" traces back to Old French complice, meaning "partner in crime," derived from Latin complex ("associated"). The prefix ac- (a variant of ad-, meaning "to") was added later, reinforcing the sense of collaboration. The morpheme plice (from Latin plicare, "to fold") metaphorically suggests entanglement in shared actions. Over time, the term narrowed to its current legal connotation of aiding unlawful acts.
The thief had an accomplice who distracted the guards.
She was unaware her friend had become an accomplice to fraud.
The police arrested both the robber and his accomplice.
Without an accomplice, the crime would have been impossible.
He testified against his former accomplice in court.