I. ˈkämpləˌkāt, usu -ād.+V verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Latin complicatus
transitive verb
1. obsolete
a. : to unite intimately by or as if by intertwining
b. : to fold or twist up together into or as if into a confused or overly involved mass
2. : to combine especially in an involved or inextricable manner
his ideals were somehow complicated with selfish interest
3. obsolete : to create especially by joining two or more elements : compound
4. : to make complex, involved, or difficult
this complicates matters
snobbery complicated their social contacts
5. medicine : involve ; especially : to cause to be more complex or severe
bacterial secondary invaders complicate many virus infections
intransitive verb
: to become complicated
the problems grew, multiplied, and complicated beyond all reason
II. -lə̇kə̇t, -lēk-, usu -kə̇d.+V adjective
Etymology: Latin complicatus, past participle of complicare to fold together, from com- + plicare to fold — more at ply
1. : made up of intimately united parts : complex
a machine complicate of handmade gears
2. : difficult , involved
a complicate problem
3.
a. : conduplicate
b. : folded longitudinally one or more times — used of insects' wings