1 Additional; aiding the principal design; contributory; secondary; subordinate; supplemental. 2One who aids or contributes to the commission or concealment of a crime or assists others in avoiding apprehension for the crime but not present when the crime was committed. Mere silence or approval of the crime is insufficient to make one an accessory; the person must take steps to facilitate the commission or concealment of the crime or the avoidance of the criminal's capture. See also misprisio...