Words / C1

uh-KUMPL-is/əˈkʌmplɪs/

An accomplice helps someone else commit a crime or serious wrong: an accomplice to the theft, act as an accomplice. Partner is too mild; the principal is the main actor; a whistle-blower sits opposite. Forwarding a draft grade is participation, not “helpful comms”.

Meaning

A person who helps someone else commit a crime or serious wrong.

Examples

• “Anyone who forwards the draft grade is an accomplice to the leak, not “helpful comms”.”
• “Accessory (this batch) can be the legal cousin. Collaborator is wider and not always a crime. Comms is a channel. A leak is a timestamped fact. Delete the forward; log the breach.”

Good to know

A helper in a crime or wrong. Legal cousin: accessory (this batch). Contrast: whistle-blower. A forward is participation.

Near in meaning

accessory

New