criminal

[ˈkrɪmɪn(ə)l]

criminal Definition

• 1. a person who has committed a crime
• 2. relating to crime

Using criminal: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "criminal" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The criminal was sentenced to life in prison.

• Example

  He has a long history of criminal behavior.

• Example

  She works for a law firm that specializes in criminal cases.

• Example

  The police are investigating the criminal activities of the gang.

criminal Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for criminal

• offender
• lawbreaker
• culprit
• perpetrator
• delinquent

Antonyms for criminal

• innocent
• law-abiding

Idioms Using criminal

• a criminal mind

  a way of thinking that is associated with criminal behavior

  Example

  The detective was able to solve the case by getting inside the criminal mind of the suspect.

• go criminal

  to start engaging in criminal behavior

  Example

  He went criminal after losing his job and getting into debt.

• make a criminal out of someone

  to cause someone to become a criminal

  Example

  The harsh living conditions and lack of opportunities can make a criminal out of someone.

Phrases with criminal

• criminal record

  a list of a person's previous criminal convictions

  Example

  He was denied entry to the country because of his criminal record.

• criminal justice system

  the system by which society responds to crimes and criminals, including law enforcement, courts, and corrections

  Example

  The criminal justice system is designed to protect the rights of both victims and defendants.

• criminal mastermind

  a person who is highly intelligent and skilled at planning and executing complex criminal schemes

  Example

  The heist was planned and executed by a criminal mastermind who has never been caught.

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Summary: criminal in Brief

The term 'criminal' [ˈkrɪmɪn(ə)l] refers to a person who has committed a crime or something relating to crime. It is used in contexts such as 'criminal record' and 'criminal justice system.' The term also extends into idioms like 'a criminal mind,' referring to a way of thinking associated with criminal behavior, and 'go criminal,' meaning to start engaging in criminal behavior.