Criminal

Definition

Criminal is an adjective and noun. As an adjective, it describes anything relating to crime or unlawful activity. As a noun, it refers to a person who has committed a crime or is involved in unlawful activities.

Parts of Speech

• Adjective
• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈkrɪmɪnəl/
• Respelling: KRIM-uh-nuhl

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈkrɪmɪnəl/
• Respelling: KRIM-uh-nuhl

Etymology

The word "criminal" originates from the Latin "crimin-, crimen," meaning "charge, indictment," which evolved through Old French "criminal" to Middle English. Its roots are tied to the concept of accusations or charges of wrongdoing.

Derivatives

• Criminality (noun)
• Criminalize (verb)
• Criminally (adverb)
• Criminology (noun)
• Decriminalize (verb)

Synonyms

• Offender
• Lawbreaker
• Culprit

Antonyms

• Law-abiding
• Innocent
• Upright

Usage

The term "criminal" is often used to describe unlawful acts or individuals involved in crime, such as "The criminal was apprehended by the police." It is also used in a legal context to refer to matters associated with crime, as in "criminal law."

Related Terms

• Crime: An action that constitutes an offense and is punishable by law.
• Justice: The legal or philosophical theory by which fairness is administered.
• Law: A system of rules that a society or government develops to deal with crime.

Detailed Definitions

Adjective

• Relating to crime or unlawful activity: Used to describe anything associated with criminal acts or those who commit them.
  • Example: "He was involved in criminal activities."
• Relating to the legal punishment of crimes: Pertains to the field of law that deals with the punishment and prevention of crimes.
  • Example: "She studied criminal law in college."

Noun

• A person who has committed a crime: Refers to an individual who is guilty of breaking the law.
  • Example: "The criminal was sentenced to five years in prison."
• An individual involved in unlawful or morally wrong activities: Broadly refers to anyone engaging in illegal actions.
  • Example: "Known as a notorious criminal, he was wanted in several countries."