Definition

1. Noun:

   • A supplementary component that improves capability: An item that can be added to something else to make it more useful, versatile, or attractive.
   • Someone who helps another person commit a crime: A person who assists in or has knowledge of a crime without being the principal offender.
   • Clothing that is worn or carried, but not part of your main clothing: Items such as jewelry, handbags, scarves, or belts that complement an outfit.

2. Adjective:

   • Furnishing added support; supplementary: Contributing in a secondary or auxiliary way.
   • Aiding and abetting in a crime: Involved in a crime as an accomplice.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Supplementary Component):
  • A smartphone case and wireless headphones are popular accessories.
  • The car comes with several optional accessories, like a roof rack.
• Noun (Person in Crime):
  • The driver was charged as an accessory to the robbery.
  • She was found to be an accessory after the fact for hiding the evidence.
• Noun (Fashion Item):
  • She chose silver accessories to match her dress.
  • His only accessory was a classic leather watch.
• Adjective:
  • The accessory pumps provide backup water supply. (Supplementary)
  • He was found guilty of being accessory to the fraud. (Involved in crime)

Advanced Usage

• Legal Term "Accessory Before/After the Fact": In law, an "accessory before the fact" helps plan or encourage a crime but is not present during it. An "accessory after the fact" assists a principal offender after the crime is committed, knowing the crime occurred.
  • He was convicted as an accessory before the fact for providing the plans.
  • Housing a fugitive can make you an accessory after the fact.

Variants and Related Words

• Accessorial (Adjective): Pertaining to an accessory or having the nature of an adjunct.
  • The contract included accessorial services like delivery and setup.
• Accessorize (Verb): To add accessories to something, typically clothing.
  • She knows how to accessorize a simple outfit perfectly.

Synonyms

• Noun (Component): Adjunct, addition, appendage, attachment, extra.
• Noun (Person in Crime): Accomplice, abettor, collaborator, partner in crime.
• Adjective (Supplementary): Auxiliary, ancillary, secondary, subsidiary, supplemental.

Related Phrases

• Fashion accessory: An item used to contribute to the wearer's outfit.
  • Statement necklaces are bold fashion accessories.
• Car accessory / Automotive accessory: An optional item fitted to a car.
  • All-weather floor mats are a practical car accessory.

Idioms

• "The accessories make the outfit": A saying emphasizing that the right accessories are crucial to completing and enhancing a look.
  • That plain black dress is nice, but remember, the accessories make the outfit.

Adjective

1. furnishing added support
   • an ancillary pump
   • an adjuvant discipline to forms of mysticism
   • The mind and emotions are auxiliary to each other
2. aiding and abetting in a crime
   • he was charged with being accessory to the crime

Noun

1. someone who helps another person commit a crime
2. a supplementary component that improves capability
3. clothing that is worn or carried, but not part of your main clothing