criminals
n. countable A2 Elementary US //ˈkɹɪmənəɫz// UK //kɹˈɪmɪnəlz// crim·i·nals
n. people who break the law by doing something illegal. You use this word for anyone who has committed a crime, like stealing or hurting others.
n. persons who have committed a crime or have been legally convicted of an offense. Often used collectively to describe a class of individuals who engage in illegal activities.
The police are looking for the criminals who stole the car.
The new security system is designed to deter criminals from entering the building at night.
Criminologists study the social and psychological factors that lead certain individuals to become repeat criminals despite the threat of severe legal consequences.
Usage
The plural form of 'criminal'; can be used as a collective noun or to refer to specific individuals.