complicity
UK: kəmˈplɪsɪti | US: kəmˈplɪsəti
n. involvement in or knowledge of a wrongful act, especially as an accomplice
n. the state of being complicit; partnership in wrongdoing
complicity = com<with/together> + plic<fold> + ity<noun suffix>
- com<with/together>: From Latin cum, meaning "with" or "together."
- plic<fold>: From Latin plicare, meaning "to fold" or "to intertwine," metaphorically implying entanglement or involvement.
- ity<noun suffix>: A suffix forming abstract nouns indicating a state or condition.
Etymology Origin:
The word complicity traces back to the Latin complicare ("to fold together"), which evolved into Old French complicité ("partnership in wrongdoing"). The modern sense reflects the idea of being "folded into" or entangled in a shared act, often with negative connotations. The root plic (fold) appears in words like implicate and complicated, reinforcing the theme of interconnected involvement.
The CEO denied any complicity in the fraud scheme.
Her silence suggested complicity in the cover-up.
Legal complicity requires proof of intentional cooperation.
The investigation revealed widespread complicity among officials.
He was accused of complicity but lacked direct evidence.