English · Culture & Society
crime
/kraɪm/
[/kraɪm/]
illegal act
Beginnernoun
Definition
An act that breaks the law and can be punished by the state. It also refers to illegal activity in general.
Example
The detective spent years trying to solve the crime that had shaken the quiet town.
The detective spent years trying to solve the crime that had shaken the quiet town.
Etymology
From Old French 'crime', from Latin 'crimen' (accusation, offense).
How & Where It’s Used
A core everyday word in law, news, and society.