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modus operandi

play
noun mo·dus ope·ran·di \ ˌmō-dəs-ˌä-pə-ˈran-dē , -ˌdī \

Definition of modus operandi

plural modi operandi play \ˈmō-ˌdē-, ˈmō-ˌdī-\
:a method of procedure
  • the best approach … was to do things through quiet persuasion, which was his modus operandi
  • —James Traub
; especially :a distinct pattern or method of operation that indicates or suggests the work of a single criminal in more than one crime
  • got her picture identified, discovered her modus operandi, and put a stakeout on her neighborhood
  • —Time

See modus operandi defined for English-language learners

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Origin and Etymology of modus operandi

New Latin

Other Legal Terms

actionable, alienable, carceral, chattel, complicity, decedent, larceny, malfeasance

MODUS OPERANDI Defined for English Language Learners

modus operandi

play
noun

Definition of modus operandi for English Language Learners

  • : a usual way of doing something; especially : the usual way that a particular criminal performs a crime

Law Dictionary

modus operandi

play
noun mo·dus ope·ran·di \ ˌmō-dəs-ˌä-pə-ˈran-dē, -ˌdī \

legal Definition of modus operandi

:a distinct pattern or method of operation especially that indicates or suggests the work of a single criminal in more than one crime

Origin and Etymology of modus operandi

New Latin, manner of operating

Learn More about modus operandi

  1. Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about modus operandi

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