complicate

/ˌkɑmpləˈkeɪt/

/ˈkɒmplɪkeɪt/

Other forms: complicated; complicating; complicates

To complicate things is to make them more complex, confusing, or difficult. So if you've already accepted two party invitations for Saturday night, don't complicate the situation by accepting a third.

This verb dates back to the 17th century, when it meant “to intertwine” or “to fold together." This intertwining and folding together, however, sometimes don't work out so well. An infection can complicate an injury. A detour for road construction will complicate your usual route. And directions that are written in another language — and without pictures — complicate the assembly of furniture and toys.

Definitions of complicate

1. verb

   make more complicated
   “There was a new development that complicated the matter”

   synonyms: perplex

   antonyms:

   simplify

   make simpler or easier or reduce in complexity or extent

   types:

   complexify

   make complex

   embrangle, snarl, snarl up

   make more complicated or confused through entanglements

   snafu

   cause to be in a state of complete confusion

   type of:

   alter, change, modify

   cause to change; make different; cause a transformation
2. verb

   make more complex, intricate, or richer
   synonyms: elaborate, rarify, refine

   types:

   involve

   make complex or intricate or complicated

   develop

   elaborate by the unfolding of a musical idea and by the working out of the rhythmic and harmonic changes in the theme

   sophisticate

   make more complex or refined

   type of:

   alter, change, modify

   cause to change; make different; cause a transformation