crime

[kraɪm]

crime Definition

• 1. an action or omission that constitutes an offense that may be prosecuted by the state and is punishable by law
• 2. an illegal activity or behavior
• 3. a 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

• offense
• wrongdoing
• misdeed
• felony
• misdemeanor

Antonyms for crime

• innocence
• virtue

Idioms Using crime

• crime doesn't pay

  bad actions will not lead to success or happiness in the long run

  Example

  He thought he could get away with stealing, but he eventually learned that crime doesn't pay.

• do the crime, do the time

  if you commit a crime, you should be prepared to face the consequences

  Example

  He knew that if he got caught, he would have to do the crime and do the time.

• fighting crime

  working to prevent or solve criminal activity

  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.

• organized crime

  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.