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Complicity Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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complicity

[kษ™mหˆplษชsษชti ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

legal term

The state of being involved with others in an illegal activity or wrongdoing.

Synonyms

collaboration, conspiracy, involvement.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
complicity

This word is used when someone is involved in something illegal or wrong. It often has a negative connotation.

  • Her complicity in the robbery was undeniable.
  • He was charged with complicity in the embezzlement scheme.
involvement

This word is used to describe being part of or participating in an activity or situation. It can have neutral, positive, or negative connotations depending on the context.

  • Her involvement in community service is highly commendable.
  • His involvement in the project was crucial to its success.
  • The investigation is looking into his involvement in the scandal.
collaboration

This word is used when people work together on a project or task, usually in a productive or creative way. It has a neutral to positive connotation.

  • The collaboration between the two companies resulted in a groundbreaking new product.
  • Their collaboration on the research paper was highly praised by their peers.
conspiracy

This word is used when people secretly plan something illegal or harmful. It has a strongly negative connotation.

  • The police uncovered a conspiracy to smuggle drugs into the country.
  • She was arrested for her role in the conspiracy to commit fraud.

Examples of usage

  • He was arrested for his complicity in the robbery.
  • The company was fined for its complicity in the environmental pollution.
Context #2 | Noun

general context

The fact or condition of being involved with others in an activity that is morally wrong.

Synonyms

accomplice, culpability, guilt.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
complicity

Complicity is used when someone is involved in illegal or wrong activities, usually when they help or encourage others in wrongdoing.

  • Her complicity in the robbery surprised everyone.
  • The investigation revealed his complicity in the conspiracy.
guilt

Guilt is the feeling or acknowledgment of having done something wrong or committing an offense. It can be used in both legal and emotional contexts.

  • He couldn't escape the guilt he felt after lying.
  • Her guilt was clear from her behavior during the trial.
culpability

Culpability refers to the degree of responsibility for a fault or wrong; it's often used in legal contexts to discuss how responsible someone is for a crime.

  • The court discussed his culpability in the accident.
  • She denied any culpability in the fraud case.
accomplice

An accomplice is a person who takes part in a crime with someone else, often providing help or support.

  • The thief and his accomplice were both arrested.
  • She acted as the accomplice by driving the getaway car.

Examples of usage

  • She could no longer ignore her complicity in the deception.
  • There is a sense of complicity among the group members for not speaking up against the injustice.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Law

  • In legal contexts, complicity can make someone just as responsible as the person who committed the crime.
  • Different jurisdictions define complicity in varying ways, sometimes considering mere presence at a crime scene as complicity.

Ethics

  • Philosophers often debate the moral implications of complicityโ€”whether itโ€™s worse to act or to remain silent.
  • The idea of complicity raises important questions about accountability in social and political contexts.

Pop Culture

  • Complicity is a theme in many popular films and books where characters confront ethical dilemmas regarding their actions or inactions.
  • Works like 'The Crucible' by Arthur Miller explore how complicity can manifest through fear and social pressure.

Psychology

  • Psychological studies show that bystanders often struggle between morally speaking out against wrongdoing and the fear of social repercussions.
  • The 'bystander effect' relates to complicity, as individuals may feel less compelled to act when others are present.

Origin of 'complicity'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'complicitus', which means 'entangled' or 'involved'.
  • It originally referred to being involved in a crime or wrongdoing.

The word 'complicity' originated from the Latin word 'complicitas', which means 'a joining together'. The term has been used in legal contexts since the early 19th century to describe the involvement of individuals in criminal activities. Over time, 'complicity' has also come to be associated with moral wrongdoing and ethical dilemmas.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,719, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.