# crime

/ˈkɹaɪm/ (US) · /kɹˈaɪm/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/crime
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. an illegal act

noun · CEFR A2

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

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

- Stealing a car is a serious crime that can lead to prison time.
- The defendant was charged with a serious crime after investigators found evidence of his involvement in the bank robbery.

### 2. illegal activity in general

noun · CEFR A2

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

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

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

### 3. something very wrong

noun · CEFR B2 · Informal

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

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

- It is a crime to throw away all that perfectly good food.
- In the eyes of the critics, it was a crime that such a talented musician never received a major recording contract.

Teaching tip: This is a figurative use. When used this way, it is almost always preceded by 'a' (e.g., 'It's a crime to...').

### 4. to punish for a rule break

verb · CEFR C2 · British English · Formal

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

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

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

Teaching tip: This sense is very rare in everyday English and is mostly found in British military contexts.

## Examples

- The police are working hard to reduce crime in the city.
- Stealing a car is a serious crime that can lead to several years in prison.
- Sociologists often debate whether high levels of poverty directly correlate with an increase in property crime or if the relationship is mediated by other systemic factors.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.