Words / C1

k-uh-m-PLIS-it/kəmˈplɪsɪt/

Complicit means involved in something wrong, even if you did not start it: complicit in the silence, complicit in fraud. Involved is everyday and weaker; guilty is stronger and more legal; accessory is a legal role. Complicity is the noun. In speech, sharing the blame or in on it is blunter. Complicit often criticises bystanders. Do not use it for a minor mix-up with no moral stain.

Meaning

Involved in something wrong, even if you did not start it.

Examples

• “Silence can make you complicit.”
• “Silence in the meeting made several people complicit in the unfair vote.”
• “She was not the author of the leak, but the court held her complicit.”

Good to know

Sharing blame for a wrong. complicit in. Noun: complicity. Everyday: in on it / sharing the blame. Stronger/legal: guilty / accessory.

Near in meaning

implicated

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