accomplice
What does "accomplice" mean?
An accomplice is a person who knowingly helps another individual commit a crime or a wrongful act. Think of it as the "partner in crime"—someone who isn't necessarily the one pulling the trigger or breaking the lock, but who provides the getaway car, the lookout, or the moral support necessary to see the deed through to completion. This term is almost exclusively used in legal or criminal contexts. While it implies active cooperation, it carries a sense of shared culpability; if you are an accomplice, the law views you as being just as responsible for the outcome as the primary perpetrator.
"accomplice" in conversation
Discussing a heist movie
Do you think the driver is actually an accomplice?
Do you think the driver is actually an accomplice?
Definitely, he knew exactly what was happening inside.
Definitely, he knew exactly what was happening inside.
Used to speculate about a character's level of involvement in a crime.
Reviewing a legal case
We need to prove he was a willing accomplice, not just a bystander.
We need to prove he was a willing accomplice, not just a bystander.
The evidence shows he helped plan the entire event.
The evidence shows he helped plan the entire event.
Highlights the distinction between being present at a scene versus actively assisting.
"accomplice" in a sentence
He was arrested as an accomplice to the robbery.
He was arrested as an accomplice to the robbery.
The police are searching for the primary suspect and any potential accomplices.
The police are searching for the primary suspect and any potential accomplices.
Despite her claims of innocence, the court found her guilty as an accomplice for providing the false alibi.
Despite her claims of innocence, the court found her guilty as an accomplice for providing the false alibi.
