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Crimes Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ”ซ
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crimes

[kraษชmz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

law enforcement

Actions that are considered illegal and punishable by law, such as theft, murder, and fraud. Crimes can vary in severity, from minor offenses to serious felonies.

Synonyms

misdeeds, offenses, violations.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
crimes

Typically used in a legal context to refer to serious actions that break the law. These actions often involve harm to people or property and can lead to severe legal consequences.

  • The police are investigating several crimes in the neighborhood.
  • He was convicted of several serious crimes, including robbery.
offenses

Used to describe actions that break the law or just offend someone. Can range from minor to serious in nature.

  • He was arrested for a minor traffic offense.
  • Her rude comments were considered an offense by many.
misdeeds

Refers to actions that are morally or ethically wrong but may not necessarily be illegal. Often used to describe minor wrongdoings.

  • The actor apologized publicly for his misdeeds.
  • Children are sometimes forgiven for their misdeeds if they show remorse.
violations

Refers to breaking rules, regulations, or laws. Commonly used in contexts where formal guidelines are not followed.

  • The factory was fined for environmental violations.
  • Parking violations can result in hefty fines.

Examples of usage

  • He was arrested for committing various crimes in the city.
  • The police are investigating the crime scene for evidence of the robbery.
Context #2 | Noun

societal impact

Activities that harm individuals or society as a whole, leading to fear, mistrust, and instability. Crimes can have far-reaching consequences on communities and the well-being of people.

Synonyms

malpractices, transgressions, wrongdoings.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
crimes

Used to refer to illegal activities that are punishable by the law. Often involves serious offenses like theft, assault, or murder.

  • The police are investigating the crimes that took place last night
  • Commiting crimes can lead to severe punishment
wrongdoings

A general term for any act that is morally, ethically, or legally wrong. Can be used in various contexts to describe improper actions.

  • The investigation aimed to uncover any wrongdoings by the company
  • She felt guilty for her wrongdoings and apologized sincerely
malpractices

Used to describe improper or unethical conduct, especially by professionals like doctors, lawyers, or government officials. Often implies negligence or misconduct in a professional setting.

  • The doctor was sued for medical malpractice
  • Financial malpractices can ruin a companyโ€™s reputation
transgressions

Used to refer to actions that go against a rule, law, or moral code. Usually implies a less severe act than a crime and can include moral or social violations.

  • He asked for forgiveness for his past transgressions
  • Minor transgressions in the workplace were often overlooked

Examples of usage

  • The rise in violent crimes has made the neighborhood unsafe for residents.
  • White-collar crimes can have a significant economic impact on businesses.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The word 'crime' comes from the Latin term 'crimen', which means 'charge' or 'accusation'.
  • In ancient societies, many crimes were related to disputes among tribes, often resolved through combat or exile.
  • The Magna Carta in 1215 began to shape the legal framework we use today to address crimes and protect the rights of individuals.

Pop Culture

  • Crime novels and movies often reflect societal fears, with famous examples like Sherlock Holmes and crime dramas showing detective work.
  • The popular series 'Breaking Bad' examines moral choices and the transformation of a family man into a criminal.
  • Music genres like rap often explore themes of crime and social issues, giving voice to urban experiences.

Psychology

  • Studies show that environmental factors, such as poverty and lack of education, significantly influence the likelihood of committing crimes.
  • Theories in criminology examine motivations for crime, such as strain theory, which suggests that social pressure can lead to criminal behavior.
  • Many behaviors classified as crimes can result from psychological disorders, highlighting the complexity of causes behind illegal actions.

Literature

  • Classic works, such as 'Crime and Punishment' by Fyodor Dostoevsky, delve into the morality and psychological impact of committing a crime.
  • Shakespeareโ€™s 'Macbeth' explores the consequences of ambition and crime, where the protagonist's actions lead to his downfall.
  • In modern literature, crime stories often critique societal norms, questioning what is considered just and unjust.

Legal Frameworks

  • Laws about crimes vary significantly around the world, with some cultures having strict punishments while others focus on rehabilitation.
  • In many countries, there are distinctions made between misdemeanors (less serious crimes) and felonies (more serious crimes).
  • International laws, such as the Geneva Conventions, define war crimes and hold individuals accountable for actions in conflict situations.

Origin of 'crimes'

The word 'crimes' originated from the Old French word 'crimen', which means 'crime, fault, or accusation'. It has been used in the English language since the 13th century to refer to unlawful activities punishable by law. Throughout history, crimes have been a central focus of legal systems and societal norms, shaping the concepts of justice and punishment.

See also: crime, criminal.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,892, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.