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

If it is confirmed that an order was given to kill them with a second strike, some military and legal experts say the US could be guilty of a war crime or murder. —Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 4 Dec. 2025

Legal experts have suggested that action could constitute a war crime. —David Lightman, Sacbee.com, 4 Dec. 2025

Lawmakers have suggested that Hegseth, a former Fox News host, may have committed a war crime by targeting defenseless people. —Brian Niemietz, Mercury News, 3 Dec. 2025

Democrats say that alone could be enough to suggest a war crime occurred. —Laura Romero, ABC News, 3 Dec. 2025

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.