Culprit: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when referring to a person who is responsible for a crime or problem, often in a less serious or humorous context.

• After hours of investigation, the mechanic discovered that the faulty wire was the culprit behind the engine failure.
• When the vase broke, the mother quickly found the culprit to be the family's playful cat.

Often used in official or legal contexts to describe someone who has committed a specific act, usually a serious crime.

• The police were searching for the perpetrator of the armed robbery.
• The investigator looked for clues to identify the perpetrator of the cyber attack.

Used in more formal settings, especially in legal or law enforcement contexts, to refer to someone who has committed a crime.

• The police finally apprehended the criminal after a long and tedious investigation.
• She was determined to make the streets safer by putting every criminal behind bars.

Used to describe someone who engages in morally or legally wrong behavior. It's a more general and sometimes less harsh term.

• Despite his good intentions, he was branded as a wrongdoer for breaking the company’s rules.
• They felt a moral duty to expose every wrongdoer in the organization.

Used when referring to a person or thing responsible for a problem or crime, often with a negative connotation.

• The police finally apprehended the culprit behind the series of break-ins.
• The faulty wiring was the culprit for the electrical fire.

Used to refer to something that brings about an effect or a result. It is often neutral and can be used in various contexts, including science, medicine, and everyday life.

• Smoking is a major cause of lung cancer.
• Lack of sleep can cause several health problems.

Used when identifying the origin of something, particularly information, resources, or a phenomenon. It often has a neutral connotation and is common in research and journalism.

• He provided a reliable source for his article.
• The river is the main source of water for the village.

Used to explain why something happens or why someone does something. It is more abstract and can refer to both situational and logical explanations.

• The reason for his absence was a family emergency.
• She had every reason to be upset after hearing the news.