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Definition of crime
crime
/kɹaɪm/
crime
Adverb:criminally
•Plural:crimes
•Adjective:criminal
crime Lexical Profile
CEFR
A2
Grade
3
Tier
1
Usage
Top 1k
Syllables
1
crime Game Scores & Validity
Scrabble US
Scrabble UK
WWF
Wordle Guess
• noun
1
An action or omission that constitutes a violation of law and is punishable by the state.
Example
"Perjury is a serious crime that undermines the integrity of the judicial system."
2
Illegal activities in general, considered collectively as a social phenomenon.
Example
"Community outreach programs and improved street lighting helped reduce neighborhood crime."
3
Angrave, shameful, or regrettable act or situation that is morally wrong or foolish, even if not strictly illegal.
Example
"It is a real crime to let all that fresh produce go to waste."
Synonyms
View all synonyms for crime Antonyms
View all antonyms for crime• Rhymes for crime
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the 13th century from Old French crime, from Latin crimen ('accusation, indictment, fault, or offense'), likely related to cernere ('to decide, sift, or judge').
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Crime. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/crime