CRIMINAL

Definition of CRIMINAL

CRIMINAL Adjective and Noun

Criminal is both an adjective and a noun that refers to actions, behaviors, or individuals involved in activities that violate the law and are punishable by legal penalties. It encompasses anything related to crime or those who commit crimes.

CRIMINAL as an adjective

Relating to Crime: As an adjective, criminal describes anything related to or characteristic of crime. For example, “The police investigated the criminal activities reported in the area,” indicates that the activities being investigated are related to illegal behavior.

Law-Breaking: Criminal can also describe actions or behaviors that are illegal and punishable by law. For instance, “He was charged with criminal conduct for embezzlement,” suggests that the behavior in question involves illegal activities.

CRIMINAL as a noun

A Person Who Commits Crimes: As a noun, criminal refers to an individual who commits crimes or engages in illegal activities. For example, “The criminal was apprehended after a lengthy investigation,” denotes a person who has broken the law.

Offender: Criminal can also be used to describe someone found guilty of a crime by a court. For instance, “The court sentenced the criminal to ten years in prison,” refers to an individual who has been convicted of a crime and is subject to legal penalties.

Context in Law Enforcement: Criminal is a central concept in law enforcement, focusing on individuals and activities that are illegal. For example, “Law enforcement agencies work to apprehend criminals and prevent criminal activity,” highlights its importance in maintaining public safety and justice.

Importance in Legal Systems: Understanding criminal is crucial for legal systems, which classify and handle various crimes and offenders. For instance, “Criminal law is concerned with defining crimes and prescribing punishments,” emphasizes the role of the term in legal contexts.

Impact on Society: The term criminal also reflects the broader impact of crime on society, including issues of safety, justice, and social order. For example, “High rates of criminal activity can lead to increased fear and reduced quality of life in communities,” shows the societal implications of criminal behavior.

Criminal functions as both an adjective and a noun, referring to actions or individuals related to crime. As an adjective, it describes anything connected to illegal activities or law-breaking. As a noun, it denotes a person who commits crimes or is involved in illegal behavior. Understanding criminal helps in recognizing its role in law enforcement, legal systems, and its impact on society.

Examples of CRIMINAL in a sentence

CRIMINAL as an adjective in a sentence

  • The city implemented new policies to combat criminal activities and reduce overall crime rates.
  • Criminal behavior, such as theft and violence, is subject to legal prosecution and penalties.
  • The criminal enterprise was involved in various illegal activities, including drug trafficking and extortion.
  • She worked as a criminal psychologist, studying the behavior of offenders to help prevent future crimes.
  • The film portrayed the criminal underworld, highlighting the challenges faced by law enforcement.
  • The criminal investigation uncovered evidence linking the suspect to multiple offenses.
  • The criminal justice system strives to balance the rights of the accused with the need for public safety.
  • His criminal activities were exposed through a series of undercover operations by the police.

CRIMINAL as a noun in a sentence

  • The criminal was apprehended after a lengthy investigation by law enforcement.
  • The judge sentenced the criminal to fifteen years in prison for his involvement in the robbery.
  • The criminal record of the suspect was reviewed during the trial to assess his past offenses.
  • The criminal mastermind behind the fraud scheme was finally brought to justice.
  • As a criminal, he faced numerous charges related to drug trafficking and theft.
  • The documentary focused on the life of a notorious criminal and the impact of his actions on the community.
  • The criminal defense attorney argued that his client was innocent of the charges.
  • Witnesses were called to testify against the criminal during the high-profile court case.

Origin of CRIMINAL

Criminal traces its origins to the Latin word criminālis, meaning “pertaining to crime,” derived from crimen, which means “accusation,” “charge,” or “crime.” The term evolved through Old French as criminal, retaining the association with unlawful acts and offenses.

  • Latin: Crimen (accusation, crime), and criminālis (pertaining to crime).
  • Latin: Crimen referred to a serious accusation or crime, and criminālis was used to describe things related to such offenses.
  • Old French: The term criminal was adopted from Latin, meaning something related to crime or illegal activities.
  • Middle English: Criminal entered English, referring to individuals who commit crimes or to actions and behaviors that are against the law.

In contemporary English, criminal describes anything related to crime, particularly individuals who commit unlawful acts. It can refer to the nature of an act that is illegal or to a person who engages in criminal behavior. The term has evolved to cover a broad range of illegal activities and offenders, maintaining its original Latin sense of relating to accusations and offenses.

Synonyms

  • Offender
  • Lawbreaker
  • Felon
  • Culprit
  • Wrongdoer
  • Convict
  • Delinquent
  • Perpetrator

Antonyms

  • Law-abiding
  • Innocent
  • Citizen
  • Legal
  • Righteous
  • Virtuous
  • Ethical
  • Upstanding

Related

  • Crime
  • Misconduct
  • Felony
  • Infraction
  • Illegality
  • Violation
  • Conviction
  • Offense

🌐 🇬🇧 CRIMINAL in other languages

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