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complice

accomplice, partner in crime

noun kohm-PLEES Less Common
People & Society Crime

Origin: Latin complex (closely joined)

Usage Note

Complice is a common-gender noun — un complice (m) or une complice (f) — agreeing with the person referred to. It can mean a literal criminal accomplice or, more lightly, a partner who shares in mischief or secrets (un regard complice = a knowing look). The related noun la complicité means complicity or (in a positive sense) close understanding between people.

Examples

"La police a arrêté son complice."

Natural Translation

The police arrested his accomplice.

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