crime
- 01 A2 Elementary
n.an action that is against the law and can be punished by the police or a court.
n.a specific act committed in violation of the law, particularly one that is punishable by the state.
Simple“Stealing a car is a serious crime that can lead to prison time.”
In context“The defendant was charged with a serious crime after investigators found evidence of his involvement in the bank robbery.”
- 02 A2 Elementary
n.illegal activities as a whole, or the problem of people breaking the law.
n.criminal acts considered collectively; the general phenomenon of law-breaking within a society.
Simple“The city is trying to find new ways to reduce crime in the downtown area.”
In context“Sociologists are studying whether the recent increase in violent crime is linked to changes in local economic conditions.”
UsageOften used as an uncountable noun.
Synonymslawbreakingdelinquency - 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.something that you think is very unfair or a big mistake, even if it is not against the law.
n.an action or situation that is considered a grave sin, a moral wrong, or a regrettable waste.
Simple“It is a crime to throw away all that perfectly good food.”
In context“In the eyes of the critics, it was a crime that such a talented musician never received a major recording contract.”
Teacher's tipThis is a figurative use. When used this way, it is almost always preceded by 'a' (e.g., 'It's a crime to...').
- 04 C2 Proficiency
v.to officially punish someone for breaking a rule, especially in the army.
v.to subject an individual to disciplinary punishment or to record a formal charge against them.
Simple“The soldier was crimed for returning to the barracks two hours late.”
In context“The sergeant threatened to crime any recruit who failed to maintain their equipment according to the standing orders.”
UsageUsually used in military or highly structured institutional contexts.
Teacher's tipThis sense is very rare in everyday English and is mostly found in British military contexts.
Synonyms
Usage crimes against humanity · crime scene · crimes committed
From Middle English cryme, crime, from Old French crime, crimne, from Latin crīmen. Displaced native Old English firen.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.