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Crook Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ•ต๏ธ
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crook

[krสŠk ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

criminal behavior

A crook is a dishonest person, especially one involved in crime or fraud. Crooks often deceive others for personal gain.

Synonyms

criminal, swindler, thief.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
crook

Often used to describe someone who is dishonest or engages in petty crime, and can also imply someone who is duplicitous.

  • The politician was revealed to be a crook involved in multiple corrupt activities.
  • Don't trust him, he's a crook who has cheated many people.
criminal

A general term for someone who has committed a crime, often used in a legal or formal context.

  • The police arrested the criminal after a lengthy investigation.
  • Being a criminal carries serious consequences under the law.
thief

Describes someone who steals tangible property from another person, typically without using force.

  • The thief was caught trying to steal a wallet from an unsuspecting tourist.
  • After the burglary, the thief sold the stolen goods on the black market.
swindler

Specifically refers to someone who cheats or defrauds others to gain money or assets, often involving elaborate schemes.

  • The swindler deceived elderly people into investing in his fake company.
  • Be careful, that swindler will trick you into giving him your life savings.

Examples of usage

  • The police arrested the crook for stealing from the store.
  • The politician was revealed to be a crook who had embezzled funds from the government.
Context #2 | Noun

shape

A crook can also refer to a bend or curve in something, like a road or a piece of wood.

Synonyms

bend, curve, turn.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
crook

Used to describe something that is bent or twisted out of shape, often in a negative or irregular way.

  • The old man's fingers were all crooked with arthritis
  • He was holding a stick with a crook at the top
bend

Used to describe a change in direction or to curve something by applying pressure. Can be used both literally and figuratively.

  • She had to bend the metal rod to fit the frame
  • The road bends sharply to the left
curve

Used to describe a smooth, continuous bending without sharp angles, often used in geometry or to describe shapes in nature.

  • The road followed the gentle curve of the river
  • She admired the graceful curve of the dancer's movements
turn

Used to describe changing direction or position. This word has many uses, including literal and figurative applications in navigation, movement, and events.

  • He asked her to turn right at the next traffic light
  • The conversation took an unexpected turn

Examples of usage

  • The old tree had a crook in its trunk.
  • The river took a sharp crook to the left at that point.
Context #3 | Verb

bend

To crook means to bend or curve something, often in a slightly irregular way.

Synonyms

bend, curve, flex.

Examples of usage

  • She crooked her finger to beckon him over.
  • He crooked his arm to show off his muscles.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • Crooks are often portrayed in films and books as clever antiheroes or villains, creating dramatic tension.
  • Classic characters like Robin Hood were 'crooked' in their actions but are often romanticized as champions for the poor.
  • Modern media often uses the term 'crook' to illustrate societal issues, like corruption in politics or business.

Psychology

  • Research suggests that people label others as 'crooks' based on their actions, often influenced by biases and cultural perceptions.
  • Feelings of distrust can lead to viewing individuals as 'crooks', even if their intentions were benign.
  • The psychological concept of 'moral disengagement' can make it easier for someone to justify 'crooked' behavior.

Law Enforcement

  • In criminal justice, the term is often used to describe habitual offenders, especially in property crimes like theft.
  • Understanding the motivation behind 'crooked' behavior can help law enforcement create more effective prevention strategies.
  • Community policing initiatives seek to understand the root causes of crime and reduce the number of 'crooks' in a neighborhood.

Origin of 'crook'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'crook' comes from the Old English 'crocca', meaning 'bent' or 'curved', reflecting its shape.
  • Originally, 'crook' referred to both a bend and, by extension, to a person who behaves in a morally bent way.
  • In the early 19th century, 'crook' shifted in meaning to focus more on dishonesty, especially among thieves.

The word 'crook' originated from Middle English 'crok', which in turn came from Old Norse 'krรณkr'. The term has been used since the 13th century to refer to a bend or curve, and later evolved to also describe a dishonest person. Over time, 'crook' has maintained its dual meaning, capturing both the physical and moral aspects of bending or deviating from the straight path.

See also: crooked, crookedly.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,810, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.