crime Definition
- 1an action or omission that constitutes an offense that may be prosecuted by the state and is punishable by law
- 2an illegal activity or behavior
- 3a serious offense, especially one involving violence
Using crime: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "crime" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
He was arrested for committing a crime.
Example
The crime rate has increased in the city.
Example
She was a victim of a violent crime.
Example
The suspect was charged with several crimes.
crime Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for crime
Idioms Using crime
Example
He thought he could get away with stealing, but he eventually learned that crime doesn't pay.
Example
He knew that if he got caught, he would have to do the crime and do the time.
Example
The police department is committed to fighting crime and keeping the community safe.
Phrases with crime
white-collar crime
financially motivated, nonviolent crime committed by business and government professionals
Example
The company's executives were involved in white-collar crimes such as embezzlement and fraud.
criminal activities that are planned and controlled by powerful groups and carried out on a large scale
Example
The police have been cracking down on organized crime syndicates in the city.
hate crime
a crime motivated by prejudice or intolerance towards an individual's race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or other characteristic
Example
The attack on the mosque was investigated as a hate crime.
Origins of crime
from Old French 'crimne', from Latin 'crimen', meaning 'charge, indictment, accusation'
Summary: crime in Brief
The term 'crime' [kraɪm] refers to an action or omission that constitutes an offense punishable by law. It can range from illegal activities to serious offenses involving violence. Examples include 'He was arrested for committing a crime.' and 'The suspect was charged with several crimes.' Phrases like 'white-collar crime' and idioms like 'crime doesn't pay' are also common.