crime
crime
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "crime" is /kraɪm/.
kraɪm
/k/ - voiceless velar stop
/r/ - voiced alveolar approximant
/aɪ/ - diphthong (as in "my")
/m/ - voiced bilabial nasal
Word Form Variations
Singular Noun: crime
Plural Noun: crimes
Verb (base form): criminate (less common, more formal/legal)
Verb (third-person singular present): criminates
Verb (past tense): criminated
Verb (present participle): criminating
Verb (past participle): criminated
Adjective: criminal
Adverb: criminally
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
Definition 1: An act or omission that is punishable by law and is considered to be a serious offense against society. It is a violation of legal and moral rules, often resulting in harm to individuals or the community.
Synonyms: felony, misdemeanor, offense, transgression, wrongdoing, illegality, violation, misdeed
Antonyms: virtue, innocence, legality, righteousness, obedience, lawfulness
Definition 2: A grave and reprehensible act or omission, especially one that is considered morally wrong or harmful, even if not strictly illegal.
Synonyms: atrocity, outrage, sin, evil, abomination, scandal
Antonyms: good deed, kindness, benevolence, beneficence
Verb
Definition 1 (criminate): To accuse someone of or to incriminate oneself in a crime or wrongdoing; to charge with a criminal offense.
Synonyms: accuse, incriminate, implicate, indict, charge, blame
Antonyms: exculpate, absolve, clear, exonerate, acquit
Adjective
Definition 1 (criminal): Relating to, involving, or guilty of a crime.
Synonyms: illicit, unlawful, illegal, felonious, wrongful, culpable, delinquent
Antonyms: legal, lawful, innocent, ethical, righteous, permissible
Definition 2 (criminal): Morally reprehensible or deplorable; outrageous. (Used colloquially to describe something extremely bad or unjust.)
Synonyms: atrocious, outrageous, scandalous, wicked, heinous, vile
Antonyms: admirable, commendable, laudable, praiseworthy, virtuous
Adverb
Definition 1 (criminally): In a manner that constitutes a crime or is punishable by law.
Synonyms: unlawfully, illegally, illicitly, feloniously
Antonyms: lawfully, legally, legitimately
Definition 2 (criminally): In a gravely wrong, unfair, or outrageous manner. (Used to emphasize the severity of a negative action or situation).
Synonyms: atrociously, outrageously, deplorably, wickedly, heinously
Antonyms: admirably, commendably, laudably, virtuously
Examples of Use
Newspapers/Online Publications:
"The city has seen a significant decrease in violent crime over the past year, according to the latest police statistics." ( The New York Times)
"Cyber crime continues to be a growing threat to businesses worldwide, with new ransomware attacks reported daily." (Forbes)
"The investigative report exposed a pervasive culture of organized crime within the syndicate." (The Guardian)
Books:
"He had committed a terrible crime, one that would haunt him for the rest of his days." (From a novel of suspense)
"The detective specialized in cold cases, meticulously re-examining evidence from decades-old crimes." (From a detective novel)
Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Television Series: "This week's episode of 'Law & Order' focused on a white-collar crime spree that defrauded thousands of investors." (Broadcast, July 2024)
Film: "The film explores the consequences of a passion crime and its impact on a small community." (Movie synopsis, June 2024)
Podcast: "Our latest true crime podcast delves into the unsolved mystery of the Black Dahlia." (Podcast description, May 2024)
Video Game: "Players are tasked with solving a series of bizarre crimes in the futuristic city of Neo-Kyoto." (Video game review, April 2024)
General Public Discourse:
"It's a crime that such talented artists go unrecognized for their work." (Casual conversation about overlooked talent)
"The rising cost of living feels like a crime against ordinary citizens." (Statement expressing frustration with economic conditions)
"Reporting the crime quickly was crucial for the police investigation." (Discussion about public safety and civic duty)
10 Quotes Using Crime
"The most heinous crime is to steal a child's innocence." (Victor Hugo)
"There is no crime so great as daring to be a poet!" (Oscar Wilde)
"Silence becomes a crime when it is used to protect evil." (Martin Luther King Jr.)
"Ignorance is not a crime, but a choice." (Confucius)
"Poverty is the parent of revolution and crime." (Aristotle)
"Necessity is the plea for every infringement of human freedom. It is the argument of tyrants; it is the creed of slaves." (William Pitt the Younger) Note: While a famous quote, it does not contain the word "crime". Let me find a replacement.
"All crime is a kind of disease and should be treated as such." (Mahatma Gandhi)
"The biggest crime is to lie to yourself." (Fyodor Dostoevsky)
"The ultimate crime is to do nothing." (Unknown)
"The crime of the century is not that we're committing crimes, but that we're excusing them." (G.K. Chesterton)
Etymology
The word "crime" comes from the Latin word "crimen," which originally meant "charge," "accusation," or "an offense." It was used in a legal sense, referring to the formal charge brought against someone in court.
The earliest known use of "crime" in English, with a meaning similar to what we understand today – an act punishable by law – appeared around the 14th century. At that time, it was used to describe a serious offense against moral or divine law, as well as a violation of human law. Over time, the legal sense of a punishable act became the dominant meaning. So, in essence, it evolved from simply being an accusation to describing the wrongful act itself.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Crime
A life of crime: To live by habitually committing illegal acts.
The scene of the crime: The location where an illegal act took place.
Crime doesn't pay: A warning that illegal activities ultimately lead to negative consequences.
Hate crime: An illegal act motivated by prejudice against a particular group.
Organized crime: Criminal activities carried out by a structured group, often a syndicate or gang.
White-collar crime: Non-violent illegal acts committed by business or government professionals for financial gain.
To commit a crime: To carry out an illegal act.
Partners in crime: Two or more people who collaborate on a mischievous or illicit act (often used humorously).
A crying shame/crime: A regrettable or deplorable situation (often used hyperbolically, not necessarily referring to a literal illegal act).
The perfect crime: An illegal act carried out without any trace or evidence, making it impossible to solve.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of crime from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
