war crime

noun

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

—usually 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

However, until recently the US has selectively supported investigations, for instance into war crimes in Darfur and during the Syrian civil war, and – under President Biden – into Russian atrocities in Ukraine. — The Week Uk, TheWeek, 8 Nov. 2026

Democratic leaders are being called in this moment to prioritize legislation on healthcare, taxes, tariffs and, yes, prohibiting the use of American money, technology and weapons for Israeli war crimes. — Zainab Chaudry, Baltimore Sun, 7 Nov. 2026

The ministry called the attack a war crime that requires an international investigation. — ABC News, 28 Oct. 2026

Some clips appeared to show massive explosions of villages in Lebanon, where Israeli destruction of civilian infrastructure has drawn condemnation from human rights groups as potential war crimes, which Netanyahu's government denies. — Daniel Estrin, NPR, 28 Oct. 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.