A2noun1K

Crime

UK /["/kraɪm/"]/US /["/kraɪm/"]/

Definition

activities that involve breaking the law

In simple words: An action that is against the law.

Examples

  • The crime wave in the city has made residents feel unsafe.
  • Police are working hard to reduce crime rates in the area.
  • He committed a crime by stealing the car.
  • In the movie, the main character investigates a mysterious crime.
  • Many people believe that poverty can lead to crime.

Usage notes

Use 'crime' in discussions about law or wrongdoing. More formal in legal contexts but acceptable in everyday conversation when referring to illegal actions.

Grammar pattern

crime + of + noun

Memory hint

Think of 'climb' — climbing into trouble can lead to a crime.

Collocations

  • serious
  • petty
  • non-violent
  • carry out
  • commit
  • perpetrate
  • double
  • increase
  • rise
  • figures
  • level
  • rate
  • a crackdown on crime
  • crime and disorder
  • crime and punishment
  • appalling
  • awful
  • bloody
  • carry out
  • commit
  • do
  • involve something
  • happen
  • occur
  • scene
  • victim
  • suspect
  • crime against
  • a crime of passion
  • a crime of violence
  • the scene of the crime

Synonyms

  • offense
  • illegal act
  • felony
  • misdemeanor
  • wrongdoing

Antonyms

  • honesty
  • virtue
  • goodness

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'criminal' — 'crime' refers to the act, while 'criminal' refers to the person.
  • Using 'crime' as a verb incorrectly — it is a noun.
  • Saying 'crimes' too freely without specifying type can cause confusion.