Crimefighter: meaning, definitions and examples
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crimefighter
[ kraɪmˌfaɪtər ]
law enforcement
A crimefighter is an individual who actively works to prevent or combat crime, often associated with law enforcement agencies or community organizations. This term is frequently used to describe police officers or detectives who are dedicated to maintaining public safety and enforcing laws. In popular culture, it may also refer to fictional characters who portray themselves as heroes fighting against criminal activity.
Synonyms
crime stopper, detective, law enforcer, police officer, vigilante.
Examples of usage
- The crimefighter led the team in apprehending the notorious gang.
- Many crimefighters volunteer in their communities to help reduce juvenile delinquency.
- The documentary featured several crimefighters discussing their strategies to combat local crime.
- As a crimefighter, she was determined to bring justice to her community.
Etymology
The term 'crimefighter' originated in the mid-20th century as a way to characterize individuals dedicated to combating crime, especially within the context of law enforcement. It combines 'crime,' which has roots in Old French and denotes an act that violates the law, with 'fighter,' derived from the Old English 'fīhtan,' meaning to struggle or contend against an adversary. The emergence of the word can be attributed in part to popular culture, where comic books and movies featured heroes who thwarted criminal activity, thus 'crimefighter' became associated with both real-life law enforcement efforts and idealized depictions of heroes. Over time, the term has been embraced in various forms of media and has come to encompass both official roles in law enforcement and informal roles taken by community members seeking to reduce crime.