Lawbreaking Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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lawbreaking

[ˈlɔːbreɪkɪŋ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

criminal activity

The act or practice of breaking the law, especially by engaging in criminal activities.

Synonyms

crime, illegal activity, violating the law.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
lawbreaking	Typically used in a general sense to describe the act of breaking laws or regulations. It is not specified whether the offense is minor or major. Lawbreaking can have serious consequences if you get caught. The neighborhood has seen a rise in lawbreaking activities recently.
crime	Used to refer to serious offenses that are punishable by law. It often implies a more severe, morally wrong act and has a negative connotation. The police are actively investigating the crime. He committed a crime by robbing the bank.
illegal activity	Refers to actions that are against the law, usually in a broad sense. It can encompass both minor infractions and serious violations. Engaging in illegal activity can lead to heavy fines. The business was shut down for illegal activity.
violating the law	Used to describe the act of breaking a specific law or regulation. It often implies that the rules or laws are directly being disregarded. By not paying taxes, you are violating the law. The company was found to be violating environmental laws.

Examples of usage

He was arrested for his lawbreaking behavior.
Lawbreaking can result in serious consequences such as fines or imprisonment.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

violation of laws

The deliberate act of disobeying or violating laws, regulations, or rules.

Synonyms

breach of law, infraction, transgression.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
lawbreaking	This term is used for a general act of breaking the law, often in a straightforward, descriptive manner. It can be used broadly for any type of illegal activity. The suspect was arrested for lawbreaking. Lawbreaking should not be tolerated in a civilized society.
breach of law	This phrase is typically used in formal or legal contexts to describe violations of specific laws or regulations. The company was found guilty of a breach of law for polluting the river. His actions constituted a breach of law, and he was fined.
transgression	This word is often used in a more moral or religious context to describe actions that violate ethical or spiritual codes. It can also be used to describe serious breaches of law but is less commonly used in everyday legal contexts. In many religions, stealing is considered a major transgression. His transgressions against the community's rules led to severe consequences.
infraction	This term is often used to refer to minor legal violations, usually less serious than a crime, such as traffic offenses. She received a ticket for a parking infraction. Minor infractions are often punished with a fine rather than prison time.

Examples of usage

The company was fined for its lawbreaking in environmental regulations.
Lawbreaking undermines the foundation of a civilized society.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

illegal behavior

The act of engaging in activities that are prohibited by law.

Synonyms

criminality, delinquency, wrongdoing.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
lawbreaking	Used when referring to any act that violates the law, regardless of its severity. The company was fined for lawbreaking due to their improper waste disposal methods. Lawbreaking activities can have severe consequences.
criminality	Refers to behaviors or qualities associated with committing crimes, often used in a broader sociological or criminological context. The report analyzes the factors contributing to rising criminality in urban areas. Efforts to reduce criminality include better education and community programs.
delinquency	Commonly used when talking about minor crimes, especially those committed by young people. The increase in juvenile delinquency has prompted the community to implement after-school programs. Parental guidance can play a significant role in preventing delinquency.
wrongdoing	A general term that can describe any immoral or illegal act, not necessarily severe; has a less formal tone. The employee was dismissed for wrongdoing related to the mishandling of funds. He admitted his wrongdoing and apologized.

Examples of usage

Persistent lawbreaking can lead to a criminal record.
Lawbreaking is a serious issue that law enforcement agencies strive to combat.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Cultural Implications

Different cultures interpret lawbreaking differently; some may view certain laws as unjust and therefore break them as a form of protest.
Historical figures such as Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr. engaged in civil disobedience, a form of lawbreaking to advocate for social justice.

Psychology

Research shows that peer influence significantly impacts an individual's decision to engage in lawbreaking behavior, indicating a strong social component.
People might break laws as a response to perceived injustice or frustration with societal norms, often associated with feelings of powerlessness.

Literature

Many famous literary works explore themes of lawbreaking, such as Shakespeare's 'Hamlet,' which contemplates morality and justice.
In modern fiction, antiheroes breaking laws challenge traditional notions of good and evil, prompting readers to question morality.

Statistics

According to crime statistics, certain types of lawbreaking, like drug-related offenses, often correlate with socioeconomic factors.
Youth lawbreaking is often linked to various external factors, including family environment, peer relationships, and community resources.

Origin of 'lawbreaking'

Main points about word origin

The term 'lawbreaking' emerges from the combination of 'law' and 'breaking', where 'law' refers to rules made by a governing body.
In Old English, the word 'bryce,' which means 'breaking,' laid the foundation for modern terms related to breaking or violating rules.

The term 'lawbreaking' originated from the combination of 'law' and 'breaking', indicating the action of breaking the law. The concept of lawbreaking has existed for centuries, as societies have always had rules and regulations to govern behavior. Throughout history, various punishments have been implemented to deter lawbreaking, ranging from fines and imprisonment to more severe penalties. The enforcement of laws and the prevention of lawbreaking are fundamental aspects of maintaining order and justice in any society.