crime
krym
Crime (noun) means an act that breaks the law and is punishable by the state. Example: “Stealing from a shop is a crime, even if the item is cheap.”
noun
1
An act that breaks the law and is punishable by the state.
"Stealing from a shop is a crime, even if the item is cheap."
"Burglary is a serious crime in most countries."
"He was arrested for a crime he says he didn't commit."
2
Illegal activity in general.
"Neighbours formed a watch group to reduce crime on their street."
"The mayor promised new lighting to help tackle crime in the park."
"Crime in the city has dropped over the past decade."
How to use crime
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomething illegal that someone does, or illegal behaviour in general.
Common pairings
commit a crime
a crime scene
fight crime
organized crime
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Word forms
- Plural
- crimes
- Third person singular
- crimes
- Past tense
- crimed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Stealing from a shop is a _____, even if the item is cheap.
Etymology
From Old French crime, from Latin crimen, originally meaning "accusation" or "charge."
Synonyms
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offence
felony
misdemeanour
violation
wrongdoing
misdeed
lawbreaking
criminal offence
criminality
delinquency
perpetration
malefaction
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for crime
See all rhymes for crime →Frequently asked questions
What does “crime” mean?
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.
How do you pronounce “crime”?
“Crime” is pronounced krym (/kɹaɪm/ in IPA).
How do you use “crime” in a sentence?
Here is “crime” used in a sentence: “Burglary is a serious crime in most countries.”
What is another word for “crime”?
Words with a similar meaning to “crime” include criminal offence, criminality, delinquency, perpetration, malefaction and unlaw.
What is the opposite of “crime”?
The opposite of “crime” — its antonyms — is noncrime.
What part of speech is “crime”?
“Crime” is a noun.
Where does the word “crime” come from?
The word “crime” comes from Latin. From Old French crime, from Latin crimen, originally meaning "accusation" or "charge.".
Is “crime” a common word?
“Crime” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
What is the difference between a crime and a sin?
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.
What are the types of 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.
What is the difference between a crime and a civil wrong?
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.
What is an example of a crime?
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.
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