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Criminal Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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criminal

[ˈkrɪmɪnl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

law enforcement

A person who has committed a crime, especially a felony. Criminals may be punished by imprisonment, fines, or other penalties.

Synonyms

culprit, lawbreaker, offender.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
criminal

Used in a general sense to describe someone who has committed a crime. It can refer to both minor and serious offenses.

  • The criminal was sentenced to five years in prison
  • / The police apprehended the criminal after a lengthy investigation
offender

Used in a more formal context, often within legal or correctional environments, and can refer to someone who has committed an offense, especially minors or first-time offenders.

  • The program is designed to rehabilitate young offenders
  • / Repeat offenders face harsher penalties
lawbreaker

Typically used to emphasize that someone is breaking the law, often in a more formal or moralistic tone.

  • Lawbreakers must be brought to justice
  • / The new policy aims to punish all lawbreakers swiftly
culprit

Often used in a more informal or everyday context, and can specifically refer to the person responsible for a wrongdoing or an issue.

  • The culprit behind the missing cookies was finally found
  • / The detectives are still trying to identify the culprit of the cyber attack

Examples of usage

  • The police are searching for the criminal who robbed the bank.
  • The criminal was sentenced to 10 years in prison for his actions.
Context #2 | Adjective

legal system

Relating to crime or criminals. Involving illegal activities or behavior.

Synonyms

felonious, illegal, unlawful.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
criminal

Used as a noun or adjective, often in a legal context to describe a person who has committed a crime or actions against the law.

  • The police have arrested the criminal who robbed the bank
  • Committing fraudulent activities is considered criminal behavior
illegal

Used to describe actions or things that are not allowed by law, often in a general context.

  • It is illegal to drive without a license
  • Selling drugs is an illegal activity
unlawful

Generally synonymous with 'illegal', but often used in more formal or legal documents.

  • The company was sued for unlawful termination of employees
  • Unlawful entry onto private property is punishable by law
felonious

Typically used in a legal or formal context to describe serious crimes, usually felonies.

  • He was charged with felonious assault
  • The felonious action left the community in fear

Examples of usage

  • The judge ruled that the defendant's actions were criminal in nature.
  • The company was found guilty of criminal negligence in the workplace.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

History

  • Criminal behavior has been documented since ancient civilizations, including the Code of Hammurabi in Babylon, which set strict laws.
  • In medieval Europe, many crimes were punished with harsh penalties, often conducted publicly to deter others.
  • The 18th-century Enlightenment brought new ideas about criminal justice, advocating for fair trials and humane punishments.

Psychology

  • Research indicates that a combination of environmental factors and genetics can influence criminal behavior.
  • Psychopathy, a condition characterized by a lack of empathy, is often studied to understand certain types of criminals.
  • Some theories suggest that socioeconomic status plays a significant role in the likelihood of an individual engaging in criminal activities.

Pop Culture

  • Criminals are often portrayed in movies and TV shows, from antiheroes like Tony Soprano in 'The Sopranos' to villains like the Joker in Batman.
  • True crime documentaries have gained immense popularity, leading viewers to delve into real-life criminal cases.
  • Video games like 'Grand Theft Auto' allow players to explore criminal activities in a safe, fictional environment.

Law

  • In legal terms, a person may be defined as a criminal only after being convicted in a court of law.
  • The criminal justice system categorizes crimes as felonies or misdemeanors based on their severity.
  • In many countries, certain actions deemed criminal can lead to rehabilitation programs rather than just punishment.

Origin of 'criminal'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'criminalis', which means 'pertaining to crime'.
  • Related terms like 'crime' derive from 'crimen', suggesting wrongdoing or accusation.
  • The term evolved through Old French before entering English in the 14th century.

The word 'criminal' originated from the Latin word 'criminalis', which means 'pertaining to crime'. The concept of criminal behavior has been a part of human societies since ancient times, with various forms of punishment evolving over centuries. Today, criminal law is a crucial aspect of legal systems worldwide, aiming to maintain order and protect citizens from harm.

See also: crime, crimes.

Word Frequency Rank

This word ranks #1,695, placing it within important intermediate vocabulary. Learning it will significantly improve your ability to express yourself in English.