war crime

noun

: a crime (such as genocide or maltreatment of prisoners) committed during or in connection with war

—usually used in plural

war criminal noun

Examples of war crime in a Sentence

He was found guilty of torture and other war crimes.

Recent Examples on the Web

Even even saying that is a war crime. —CBS News, 15 Mar. 2026

Human rights groups have said the bombing should be investigated as a war crime. —Ramon Padilla, USA Today, 11 Mar. 2026

Though its director, writer, and star Orson Welles dismissed the movie because it was recut by the studio (indeed, several versions are floating around out there), this is still a gripping post-war crime thriller with great performances and a slick visual style. —Jordan Hoffman, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Mar. 2026

Both are charged with war crimes by the International Criminal Court and have warrants for their arrest. —Tom Zirpoli, Baltimore Sun, 10 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1871, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for war crime

• airtime
• bedtime
• daytime
• downtime
• enzyme
• halftime
• lifetime
• longtime
• lunchtime
• mealtime
• meantime
• nighttime

Legal Definition

war crime

noun

: an act committed usually during an international war for which individual criminal liability will be imposed by a domestic or international tribunal

specifically : a violation of the laws or customs of war as embodied or recognized by international treaty, court decisions, or established practice

—usually used in pl.

Note: Following World War II, the Charter of the International Military Tribunal at Nuremberg first codified war crimes including crimes against humanity. Also encompassed in the legal concept of war crimes is the crime of planning or waging a war of aggression or a war in violation of international treaties.