noun
accessory
Someone who helps another person commit or conceal a crime.
The evidence identified him as an accessory to the burglary.
Etymology
Medieval Latin accessorius meant additional or supplementary. The legal noun applies this supporting role to someone whose help contributes to another person’s crime or its concealment.
More examples
- Two accessories helped conceal the stolen goods.
- She denied being an accessory to the crime.
- The jury considered the accessory charge separately.
Forms
accessory · accessories
Similar words
- accomplice
- Accomplice suggests more direct participation.
- abettor
- Abettor emphasizes encouraging or assisting wrongdoing.