complicit

/kəmˈplɪsɪt/ (bre, ipa) · /kəmˈplɪsɪt/ (ame, ipa) · /kəm-ˈpli-sət/ (ame, mw)

complicit — adjective

  • complicitpositive
  • more complicitcomparative
  • most complicitsuperlative

1. describes a person who shares responsibility for a dishonest or unlawful action,

1.形容詞B2
釋義

describes a person who shares responsibility for a dishonest or unlawful action, either by taking part directly or by knowing about it and choosing not to act.

例句

The accountant became complicit in the fraud by signing the false documents.

complicit in + [wrongdoing]

By staying silent about the bullying, the teacher was seen as complicit.

passive: be seen as complicit

同義詞
  • involved

    broader and less morally charged; can apply to any participation, not just wrongdoing

  • implicated

    suggests evidence or circumstances connect someone to wrongdoing, possibly unwillingly

  • culpable

    focuses on blameworthiness and fault rather than active participation

  • accomplice

    noun form — a person who actively helps commit a crime; stronger sense of direct involvement

反義詞
  • innocent

    not guilty of or involved in wrongdoing

  • uninvolved

    not taking part in the activity at all

文法句型

be complicit in + [wrongdoing]

become complicit in + [wrongdoing]

feel complicit + when/if-clause

用法筆記

Frequently used in political, legal, or ethical contexts. Common with the preposition 'in' (complicit in a crime/scandal/cover-up); also used with 'with' to name the person (complicit with the authorities).

常見錯誤

❌He is complicit on the crime.
✅He is complicit in the crime.
💡The correct preposition is 'in', not 'on' or 'with' when referring to the wrongdoing itself.
❌She was a complicit of the robbery.
✅She was complicit in the robbery.
💡'Complicit' is an adjective, not a noun. Use 'accomplice' for the noun form.