Suspect: meaning, definitions and examples

Again, this word is used to refer to someone who is believed to be involved in a crime but has not yet been proven guilty. Note that it appears twice in the list, which might be a mistake.

• They brought in the suspect for questioning.
• The suspect claims to have an alibi for the night of the crime.

Refer to this word when pointing out someone who is responsible for a crime or problem, often after some initial evidence or a declaration of guilt.

• The culprit behind the theft was finally caught.
• After investigating the fire, they found the culprit was faulty wiring.

This word is often used in formal or legal contexts to specifically refer to someone who has committed a serious crime or violent act.

• The perpetrator of the heinous crime was sentenced to life in prison.
• The authorities are still searching for the perpetrators of the terrorist attack.

This term is used to describe someone who has broken the law, it is a more general term and can be used for someone who commits any type of crime.

• First-time offenders may receive a lighter sentence.
• The program is designed to rehabilitate young offenders.

When you believe someone might be guilty of something, especially a crime, but you are not sure.

• The police suspect him of stealing the car
• I suspect she knows more than she’s telling us

When you are uncertain about something or you think it is unlikely to be true.

• I doubt we'll ever see each other again
• If you doubt yourself, you'll never achieve anything

When you believe someone is likely to lie, cheat, or betray you, often based on past experience. This has a negative connotation.

• He had a deep mistrust of strangers
• The history of betrayal led to lasting mistrust between them

When you have a general feeling that you cannot trust somebody or something.

• She has a deep distrust of politicians
• There is a growing distrust of technology companies