rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryaccompliceHelper in wrongdoing
noun

accomplice

uh-KAHM-plis/əˈkɑːmplɪs/

a person who helps another commit a crime or wrongdoing

The thief's accomplice keeps watch while the stolen wallet is hidden.

Two adult accomplices furtively hide a stolen wallet, one keeps watch while other conceals it, no procedural detail.
Etymology
accompliceLatinpartner, confederate

The ancestor meant a partner or confederate, not specifically a criminal associate. That general idea of partnership narrowed to someone involved with another in a crime or wrongdoing.

In context

misesmedia30:59
Criminal where the use is Criminal the seller is an accomplice in the crime and punishable as such
Vices Are NOT Crimes | Lysander Spooner

More examples

  • Police charged him as an accomplice in the theft.
  • She refused to become an accomplice to the fraud.
  • The robber escaped with help from two accomplices.

Forms

accomplice · accomplices

Similar words

accessory
A legal term whose precise role can differ from direct participation.
partner
Neutral unless the wrongdoing is specified.