What Is Crime? Definition And Usage Of This Term

What Is Crime? Definition And Usage Of This Term

WHAT IS CRIME – In this topic, we will first know the definition of this term and how is this term used in sentences.

WHAT IS CRIME

Definition

The Oxford Dictionary described this term as the following:

  • an action or omission that constitutes an offense that may be prosecuted by the state and is punishable by law.
  • illegal activities.
  • an action or activity that, although not illegal, is considered to be evil, shameful, or wrong.

On the other hand, the Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines this term as the following:

  • an illegal act for which someone can be punished by the government
  • a gross violation of law
  • a grave offense especially against morality
  • criminal activity
  • something reprehensible or disgraceful

Synonyms

Here are the following synonyms of the term:

  • offense
  • unlawful act
  • illegal act
  • misdemeanor
  • misdeed
  • lawbreaking
  • delinquency
  • wrongdoing
  • transgression
  • misconduct
  • immoral act
  • sin
  • evil
  • evil action
  • wrong

Etymology

It is a Middle English term which is derived from the Latin term crimen judgement, offense’ which is derived from cernere or ‘to judge’.

Examples

Here are some of the examples:

  • Carry this cat away to prison, and keep her in safe confinement until she is tried by law for the crime of murder.
  • New local acquaintances never questioned us about work and we displayed no interest in anything pertaining to crime or mayhem.
  • The chitchat roamed from details of Friday’s luncheon to views on crime and punishment, which, as the booze went down, became more and more general.
  • There is no step, no crime or petty fraud he commits, which in the mouths of those around him is not at once represented as a great deed.

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