Crime Meaning and Definition
Crime
Pronunciation
/kraɪm/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
An action or omission that constitutes an offense that is punishable by law; a misdeed or offense, especially a serious one.
Examples
- The police investigated the crime scene for clues.
- The company was charged with criminal crime for ignoring safety regulations.
Synonyms
- Offense
- Transgression
Antonyms
- Compliance
- Conformity
Etymology
The word “crime” comes from the Latin “crimen,” meaning “charge” or “accusation.” It has been used in the English language since the 13th century to refer to an action that is punishable by law.
Usage Notes
Crime can be used as a noun or a verb. As a noun, it refers to an action or omission that is punishable by law. As a verb, it means to commit an act of crime.
Cultural References
The term “crime” has been used in various forms of media, including literature, film, and television. For example, the phrase “crime doesn’t pay” is a common idiom that suggests that committing a crime will ultimately lead to negative consequences.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- Crime doesn’t pay
- Crime and punishment
Related Words or Phrases
- Justice
- Morality
- Lawbreaker
Collocations
- Crime wave
- Crime scene
- Crime rate
Frequency of Use
The word “crime” is commonly used in modern language, especially in the context of news and media.
Common Misspellings
A common misspelling of the word “crime” is “crium.” It is important to note that this misspelling is incorrect and should not be used.