complicate

SayKOM-pli-kaytUS/ˈkɑmplɪkeɪt//ˈkɒmplɪkeɪt/

As an adjectiveKOM-pli-kuht

Formscomplicates, complicating, complicated

4 meanings of complicate

1
verbtransitive
To make something harder to do or understand.
Like adding extra knots to a rope that was already tied.
Adding too many rules can complicate a simple game.
Try not to complicate the plan with extra steps.
Similarconfuse, muddle, entangle, hamper, compound
Oppositesimplify, clarify, streamline, ease
Note
2
verbtransitive
To pull someone into a confusing or messy situation.
Like getting tangled in a net that was meant for someone else.
His lies complicated his whole family in the dispute.
Try not to complicate innocent people in this mess.
Similarimplicate, involve, embroil, entangle
Oppositeexonerate, clear
Note
3
adjectivearchaic
Having many parts joined together, so it is not simple.
Like a ball of string with many knots in it.
The old clock had a complicate set of gears inside.
How poor, how rich, how abject, how august, / How complicate, how wonderful, is Man!
1745, Edward Young, Night-ThoughtsHere, complicate means complex, made up of many connected parts.
Note

Less common meaning

4
adjectiveobsolete
Twisted and tangled together, with parts woven into each other.
Like several threads wound so tightly you cannot tell them apart.
The vines grew complicate around the fence posts.
Her hair lay complicate with ribbons and pins.
Note

Use it in a sentence

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Origin

It comes from Latin complicō, meaning "to fold together," made from con- ("together") and plicō ("to fold").