Meaning & Definition of word "Criminal"
Criminal
/ˈkrɪmɪnəl/
noun:
- 1. A person who has committed a crime or has been legally convicted of a crime.
- Example: The police arrested the criminal after a lengthy investigation.
- 2. A person who engages in illegal activities.
- Example: The criminal was known for his involvement in organized crime.
- 3. A person whose behavior is contrary to legal norms.
- Example: Society often struggles to rehabilitate the criminal back into the community.
adjective:
- 1. Relating to or involving crime.
- Example: The city has seen a rise in criminal activity over the past year.
- 2. Having the nature of a crime; illegal.
- Example: He was involved in a criminal conspiracy.
- 3. Worthy of condemnation or punishment.
- Example: The criminal negligence shown by the company led to severe consequences.
Etymology
●From Latin 'criminalis', from 'crimen' meaning 'crime'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
criminal record:
A documented history of a person's criminal convictions.
criminal justice:
The system of practices and institutions that uphold social control by enforcing laws.
criminal offense:
An act that is considered a crime and is punishable by law.
Related Words
crime:
An act that violates a law.
punishment:
A penalty imposed for a wrongdoing.
law:
A system of rules created and enforced through social or governmental institutions.
Slang Meanings of criminal
Meaning: crook
● Example Sentence: He's a crook who always finds a way to evade the law.
Meaning: bad guy
● Example Sentence: In the movie, the bad guy always escapes from the police.