rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryconfederateSouthern Civil War affiliation
adjective / noun / verb

confederate

kun-FED-ur-ut/kənˈfedərət/

Joined in an alliance or common undertaking.

One thief hides the stolen wallet while a confederate keeps watch.

Two adult accomplices furtively cooperate to hide a stolen wallet, one keeps watch as another conceals it; no actionable technical detail.
Etymology
conLatintogether, with
+federateLatinunite in a league

The pieces describe being united together in a league. A confederate was therefore an ally or partner in a compact, a relationship that also covers an accomplice helping someone in wrongdoing.

In context

Professor Dave Explains5:52
Remember, the learner was a confederate: he was in on the experiment! The learner was really just an actor
Social Psychology Part 1: The Power of Situation and Framing

More examples

  • Police believe the thief has a confederate inside the bank.
  • The neighboring states confederate to strengthen their common defense.
  • The museum displays a Confederate soldier's uniform.

Forms

confederate · confederates · confederated · confederating

confederation noun — A union of otherwise independent groups.

Similar words

allied
Emphasizes cooperation toward shared goals, not necessarily a formal league.
united
Emphasizes acting as one, without necessarily forming an alliance.