Lawbreaker: meaning, definitions and examples

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lawbreaker

[ˈlɔːˌbreɪ.kər ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

criminal

A person who breaks the law, especially regularly or repeatedly.

Synonyms

criminal, culprit, delinquent, offender.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
lawbreaker	This term is generally used to describe someone who has violated the law, typically in a non-violent or minor way. The lawbreaker was fined for parking in a restricted area
criminal	Used to describe someone who commits serious offenses, often involving violence or significant illegality. The criminal was sentenced to ten years in prison for robbery
offender	Refers to someone who has committed a crime, especially in a legal or formal context. It can be used for both minor and serious crimes. First-time offenders may receive a lighter sentence
delinquent	Typically used to describe a young person who frequently engages in minor crimes or antisocial behavior. This term often has a negative connotation. The delinquent was caught spray-painting graffiti on the school walls
culprit	Commonly used when referring to an individual who is guilty of a crime or wrongdoing, usually in a context where the identity of the person has just been discovered. The culprit behind the vandalism was finally caught by the police

Examples of usage

He was known as a notorious lawbreaker in the city.
The police have been keeping an eye on the known lawbreakers in the area.
She was arrested for her actions as a lawbreaker.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

informal

A person who habitually disobeys the law.

Synonyms

maverick, outlaw, rebel, renegade.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
lawbreaker	Use this when referring to someone who violates the law in a general sense. This term can be used in both formal and informal contexts and includes minor or major legal infractions. The officer arrested the lawbreaker for running a red light. Lawbreakers can face severe penalties depending on their crimes.
rebel	This is used to describe someone who resists authority, control, or tradition, often in a political or social context. It can have a positive, neutral, or negative connotation, depending on the perspective. The rebels fought against the oppressive regime. Teenagers often go through a rebellious phase.
outlaw	This term refers to someone who has broken the law and is often living outside the norms of society, evading capture. It carries a somewhat romantic or historical connotation and is often used in literature or films. The outlaw roamed the Wild West, evading the sheriff. She joined a band of outlaws after escaping from prison.
maverick	Use this to describe someone who is independent-minded and doesn't conform to the usual standards, especially in a professional or social setting. This term is often used in a positive or neutral way, highlighting individuality. A tech maverick, she developed a revolutionary new app. He’s a maverick in the business world, always coming up with unconventional solutions.
renegade	This word is used for someone who betrays or abandons a group, organization, or set of principles they once supported. It often has a negative connotation, focusing on the betrayal aspect. He was labeled a renegade after switching sides during the conflict. The renegade soldier caused turmoil within the ranks.

Examples of usage

He doesn't care about the rules, he's a real lawbreaker.
The company fired the employee for being a constant lawbreaker.
The group of teenagers were considered as lawbreakers by the local community.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'law' comes from the Old English 'lagu', meaning a rule or ordinance.
The term 'breaker' derives from the Middle English 'breken', which means to shatter or destroy.
Together, they combine to describe someone who shatters or goes against established rules.

Historical Context

Throughout history, lawbreakers have often been seen as rebels or outlaws who challenge unjust laws.
In medieval Europe, laws were enforced by local officials, and some became notorious for their harsh treatment of lawbreakers.
The American outlaw Jesse James is an example of a historical lawbreaker who remains a controversial figure.

Pop Culture

Movies and TV often glorify lawbreakers, presenting them as antiheroes or figures who fight against the system.
Famous characters like Robin Hood are celebrated lawbreakers who 'steal' from the rich to give to the poor.
Many rap songs and literature explore themes of crime and rebellion against law, portraying lawbreakers in a sympathetic light.

Psychology

Research indicates that some individuals become lawbreakers due to social or economic pressure, feeling that breaking the law is their only option.
There are theories suggesting that thrill-seeking personality traits correlate with higher rates of lawbreaking behavior.
Some psychologists study the motivations behind lawbreaking, looking at factors like mental health and upbringing.

Legal Perspective

In legal terms, lawbreaking can range from minor offenses, like jaywalking, to serious crimes like robbery.
The consequences for lawbreaking vary greatly depending on the severity of the crime, with some leading to incarceration.
Lawbreakers may face rehabilitation programs as part of their legal consequences, focusing on reintegrating them into society.

Translations

Translations of the word "lawbreaker" in other languages:

🇵🇹 infrator

🇮🇳 कानून तोड़ने वाला

🇩🇪 Gesetzesbrecher

🇮🇩 pelanggar hukum

🇺🇦 порушник закону

🇵🇱 przestępca

🇯🇵 違法者

🇫🇷 contrevenant

🇪🇸 infractor

🇹🇷 kanun kaçağı

🇰🇷 법을 어기는 사람

🇸🇦 مخالف القانون

🇨🇿 přestupník

🇸🇰 priestupca

🇨🇳 违法者

🇸🇮 kršitelj zakona

🇮🇸 lögbrjótur

🇰🇿 заң бұзушы

🇬🇪 კანონდამრღვევი

🇦🇿 qanun pozucusu

🇲🇽 infractor