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crime

n. · v.
US //ˈkɹaɪm// UK //kɹˈaɪm// crime
  1. 1 an illegal act (n.)
    A2 Elementary

    an action that is against the law and can be punished by the police or a court.

    a specific act committed in violation of the law, particularly one that is punishable by the state.

    Example

    Stealing a car is a serious crime that can lead to prison time.

    Example

    The defendant was charged with a serious crime after investigators found evidence of his involvement in the bank robbery.
  2. 2 illegal activity in general (n.)
    A2 Elementary

    illegal activities as a whole, or the problem of people breaking the law.

    criminal acts considered collectively; the general phenomenon of law-breaking within a society.

    Example

    The city is trying to find new ways to reduce crime in the downtown area.

    Example

    Sociologists are studying whether the recent increase in violent crime is linked to changes in local economic conditions.

    Usage

    Often used as an uncountable noun.
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  1. 3 something very wrong (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

    something that you think is very unfair or a big mistake, even if it is not against the law.

    an action or situation that is considered a grave sin, a moral wrong, or a regrettable waste.

    Example

    It is a crime to throw away all that perfectly good food.

    Example

    In the eyes of the critics, it was a crime that such a talented musician never received a major recording contract.

    Teacher's tip

    This is a figurative use. When used this way, it is almost always preceded by 'a' (e.g., 'It's a crime to...').
  2. 4 to punish for a rule break (v.)
    C2 Proficiency British English Formal

    to officially punish someone for breaking a rule, especially in the army.

    to subject an individual to disciplinary punishment or to record a formal charge against them.

    Example

    The soldier was crimed for returning to the barracks two hours late.

    Example

    The sergeant threatened to crime any recruit who failed to maintain their equipment according to the standing orders.

    Usage

    Usually used in military or highly structured institutional contexts.

    Teacher's tip

    This sense is very rare in everyday English and is mostly found in British military contexts.
Origin

From Middle English cryme, crime, from Old French crime, crimne, from Latin crīmen. Displaced native Old English firen.

Word family

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