COMPLICITY Meaning and
Definition
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Complicity is a noun that refers to the state of being involved in or associated with a wrongful or illegal act or behavior, either as an active participant or as a passive accomplice. It implies a knowing participation or involvement in a wrongdoing, often characterized by a shared responsibility or joint action.
In legal contexts, complicity typically pertains to an offense that is committed by more than one person. It indicates the degree to which each person is involved, contributing, facilitating, or aiding in the commission of the crime. Complicity does not necessarily require direct involvement in the act itself; rather, it can involve encouragement, assistance, or even silent agreement with the actions of others.
The concept of complicity extends beyond the legal realm and can be applied to various situations involving moral, ethical, or social wrongdoing. It implies a sense of shared guilt or responsibility, whether by action or inaction. For example, someone who remains silent or fails to report a criminal act they witnessed could be viewed as complicit in the crime. Additionally, complicity can apply to situations where individuals collaborate or remain silent in the presence of systemic injustice or discrimination.
While complicity often carries a negative connotation, it is important to consider the degree and intent of involvement, as well as the potential for coercion or duress. Furthermore, complicity can vary in its severity, as some individuals may play a more active or influential role in the wrongful act, while others may only have a tangential association.
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State of being an accomplice or sharer in guilt.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for COMPLICITY *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for COMPLICITY
Etymology of COMPLICITY
The word "complicity" is derived from the Latin word "complicitās", which is formed from the combination of the prefix "com-" meaning "together" or "with", and the Latin noun "plicitās", meaning "fold", "plait", or "tangle". The original sense of "complicitās" referred to the act of folding or intertwining something. Over time, it developed a figurative meaning of "being involved" or "entangled" in something, especially in relation to wrongdoing or a shared responsibility. This figurative sense eventually led to the term "complicity" in English, which refers to being involved or implicated in a harmful or unlawful activity along with others.
Similar spelling words for COMPLICITY
- complain,
- compulsivity,
- compliance,
- complicate,
- completion,
- compliments,
- complexion,
- complect,
- complexity,
- compulsion,
- compulsively,
- compline,
- Complicating,
- complication,
- completing,
- complicated,
- compliant,
- complimentary,
- complaint,
- complexly,
- complaisant,
- complainer,
- compliancy,
- compliment,
- complexify,
- compelling,
- complot,
- complaintive,
- complainant,
- conflict,
- compulsive,
- complin,
- complying.
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