crime

The word “crime” means an act that breaks the law and is punishable by the state. In plain terms, something illegal that someone does, or illegal behaviour in general.

“Crime” is pronounced krym (/kɹaɪm/ in IPA).

Here is “crime” used in a sentence: “Burglary is a serious crime in most countries.”

Words with a similar meaning to “crime” include criminal offence, criminality, delinquency, perpetration, malefaction and unlaw.

The opposite of “crime” — its antonyms — is noncrime.

“Crime” is a noun.

The word “crime” comes from Latin. From Old French crime, from Latin crimen, originally meaning "accusation" or "charge.".

“Crime” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.

A crime breaks the law of the state and can be punished by courts with fines or imprisonment. A sin breaks a moral or religious code and answers to conscience or faith rather than the legal system. Some acts are both; some are only one, as lying may be a sin but rarely a crime.

Crimes are often grouped by seriousness — a minor misdemeanour versus a serious felony — and by target: violent crime against people, property crime such as theft, white-collar crime such as fraud, and drug or public-order offences. Systems vary, but nearly all sort crimes by severity and the harm caused.

A crime is an offence against society, prosecuted by the state, and it can lead to punishment. A civil wrong, or tort, is a dispute between private parties — such as negligence or breach of contract — usually settled by compensation. The same act can sometimes lead to both criminal and civil cases.

Theft, assault, fraud, and driving under the influence are all crimes — acts the law forbids and the state can punish. What unites them is not how harmful they feel but that a law defines them as offences carrying penalties such as fines or imprisonment.