Complicity (also known as Moral Complicity): Association with or participation in an act that is, or is perceived to be, criminal or immoral. One is complicitous when one promotes or unduly benefits from practices or institutions that are morally or legally suspect.

NIH MeSH · D028661Humanities

Complicity

Also known asMoral Complicity

Definition

Association with or participation in an act that is, or is perceived to be, criminal or immoral. One is complicitous when one promotes or unduly benefits from practices or institutions that are morally or legally suspect.

MeSH classification

  • K01.752.566.479.090
  • N05.350.219

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Common questions about Complicity

What does Complicity mean in medicine?
Association with or participation in an act that is, or is perceived to be, criminal or immoral. One is complicitous when one promotes or unduly benefits from practices or institutions that are morally or legally suspect. This definition is taken from the National Library of Medicine's MeSH (Medical Subject Headings) 2026 release, which is the standard vocabulary used to index PubMed and most medical literature.
Is Complicity known by any other names?
Yes. Complicity is also referred to as Moral Complicity in different clinical, research and patient-facing contexts. The MeSH descriptor groups all of these synonyms under a single canonical concept so research and records stay consistent.
Where does Complicity sit in the medical classification?
Complicity falls under the broader medical category "Humanities" in the MeSH hierarchy (tree numbers: K01.752.566.479.090, N05.350.219). Browsing the related concepts on this page takes you to neighbouring topics in the same branch of medicine.
Where can I get a plain-language explanation of Complicity?
For a plain-language explanation of Complicity - including symptoms, treatments and what it means for an Indian patient - ask GoDavaii's Health AI. It works in 22+ Indian languages, is free and needs no signup. Tap "Ask GoDavaii AI about Complicity" above.

Source: NIH MeSH 2026 (D028661) — National Library of Medicine, public domain. View official MeSH record ↗