Complicity

/kəmˈplɪsɪti/

Meaning & Definition

noun

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

His complicity in the fraud scheme was proven during the trial.

A partnership or involvement in wrongdoing; conspiracy.

The investigation revealed the complicity of several officials in the corruption scandal.

The condition of being implicated; the association in a crime.

Detectives looked for evidence of complicity among the suspects.

From Latin complicitas, from complicare 'to fold together, involve'.

complicit behavior

Engaging in actions that imply involvement in wrongdoing.

turn a blind eye to complicity

To ignore or overlook someone's involvement in illegal activity.

complicity goes both ways

Involvement can be mutual among parties.

accomplice

A person who helps another commit a crime.

conspiracy

An agreement between two or more people to commit an illegal act.

collusion

Secret or illegal cooperation, especially to cheat or deceive others.

In on it

If you know what’s happening but say nothing, you’re in on it.

Playing ball

If she’s in the meeting and doesn’t speak up, she’s just playing ball.