complicit
adjUK, US /kəmˈplɪs.ɪt/
Etymology Most likely a back-formation from complicity, under the influence of words such as explicit, as though the suffix -ity were composed of -it (from Latin -itus) and -y.
1
Associated with or participating in an activity, especially one of a questionable nature.
- It [slavery] has set the seal of a complicit, guilty silence upon the most orthodox pulpits and the saintliest tongues, […]1861, Henry M. Wheeler, The Slaves' Champion, page 203:
- "I confess," and the Englishman turned with a near complicit grin to Hamo, "I have certain vulgar tastes myself."1973, Angus Wilson, As If by Magic, Secker and Warburg, page 177:
2 more examples
- Khan's sale of nuclear secrets and a complicit Pakistani government have made the world a ticking time bomb.2005 March 7, Larry Dennsion, “Letters”, in Time:
- I have been critical of the RDG in the past for merely being a cypher for government announcements, but the failure of its members to make a stand on this issue and not be complicit in the Government's subterfuge is a shocking indictment of their failure to protect the industry.2023 July 26, Christian Wolmar, “Closing ticket offices to lead to 'catch-22' for passengers”, in RAIL, number 988, page 42:
- Synonyms
- complicitous
- Derived terms
- complicitly, complicitness, uncomplicit
- Related terms
- complicity