complicate

Definition

To make complex; to modify so as to make something intricate or difficult.

Etymology

First attested in the early 17ᵗʰ century; borrowed from Latin complicātus, perfect passive participle of complicō (“to fold together”) (see -ate (verb-forming suffix) and -ate (adjective-forming suffix)), from con- (“together”) + plicō (“to fold, weave, knit”); see plaid, and compare complex. See also Middle English complicate (“involved”).

Example Sentences

• "Let us, however, put aside for the moment the mendacities and forgeries which complicate the question of Lucifer, and let us approach Palladism from an altogether different side."
• "Don't complicate yourself in issues that are beyond the scope of your understanding."
• "John has been complicated in the affair by new tapes that surfaced."

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