criminal
1crim·i·nal
adjective \ˈkri-mə-nəl, ˈkrim-nəl\Definition of CRIMINAL
1
: relating to, involving, or being a crime <criminal neglect>
2
: relating to crime or to the prosecution of suspects in a crime <criminal statistics> <brought criminal action>
3
: guilty of crime; also : of or befitting a criminal <a criminal mind>
Examples of CRIMINAL
- a history of criminal behavior
- The captain of the wrecked boat was accused of criminal negligence.
- The company brought criminal charges against her.
- It's criminal that the government is doing nothing to stop the problem.
Origin of CRIMINAL
Middle English, from Anglo-French or Late Latin; Anglo-French criminal, from Late Latin criminalis, from Latin crimin-, crimen crime
First Known Use: 15th century
Related to CRIMINAL
- Antonyms
- lawful, legal, legitimate
Other Legal Terms
2criminal
nounDefinition of CRIMINAL
1
: one who has committed a crime
2
: a person who has been convicted of a crime
Examples of CRIMINAL
- <car thieves, pickpockets, burglars, and other criminals>
First Known Use of CRIMINAL
circa 1626
Related to CRIMINAL
- Synonyms
- crook, culprit, felon, lawbreaker, malefactor, miscreant, offender
Other Legal Terms
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