complicate Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. verb make more complicated
    perplex.
    • There was a new development that complicated the matter
  2. verb make more complex, intricate, or richer
    rarify; elaborate; refine.
    • refine a design or pattern

WordNet

Com"pli*cate adjective
Etymology
L. complicatus, p. p. of complicare to fold together. See Complex.
Definitions
  1. Composed of two or more parts united; complex; complicated; involved.
    How poor, how rich, how abject, how august, How complicate, how wonderful is man! Young.
  2. (Bot.) Folded together, or upon itself, with the fold running lengthwise.
Com"pli*cate transitive verb
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Complicated; present participle & verbal noun Complicating
Definitions
  1. To fold or twist together; to combine intricately; to make complex; to combine or associate so as to make intricate or difficult.
    Nor can his complicated sinews fail. Young.
    Avarice and luxury very often become one complicated principle of action. Addison.
    When the disease is complicated with other diseases. Arbuthnot.

Webster 1913