Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

/kraɪm/

Definitions

• 1. Legal Offense: An act committed in violation of a law prohibiting it, and for which a punishment has been prescribed by law.
• 2. Morally Wrong Act: An act that is considered morally wrong, regardless of whether it is legally punished.
• 3. A Serious Offense: A serious violation of public laws or rules, typically involving harm to individuals or society.

Usage Examples

• "The police were investigating the crime that occurred last night."
• "The increase in violent crime has prompted calls for stricter laws."
• "The crime of theft is punishable by law."

Etymology

The word "crime" comes from the Latin word "crimen," meaning "accusation," "charge," or "guilt." It evolved in Middle English through Old French as "crimne," and later came to refer to a transgression or offense punishable by law. The shift in meaning to the modern understanding of a legal offense occurred around the 14th century.

Synonyms

• Offense
• Violation
• Felony
• Delinquency
• Misdeed

Antonyms

• Innocence
• Lawfulness
• Virtue
• Morality

Translations

Translations in Indian Languages

Regional Pronunciation Variations

In different English dialects, the word "crime" may be pronounced with variations in the emphasis on different syllables. For example, in some accents, the "i" sound may be elongated or shortened, while the "e" sound might be more prominent in others. However, the word remains largely consistent in pronunciation worldwide.

Historical Usage

Throughout history, the concept of "crime" has been central to the development of legal systems. In ancient societies, crimes were often punishable by harsh methods, such as physical punishment or public shaming. The modern notion of crime, with a more structured legal approach, began to take shape during the medieval and early modern periods, evolving with the establishment of formal legal systems and the development of criminal law.

Cultural Nuances

The definition and severity of what constitutes a "crime" can vary greatly across cultures. In some societies, acts such as theft, adultery, or blasphemy are considered serious crimes, while in others, they may not be treated with the same gravity. Additionally, social and political factors can influence how laws are applied and enforced, and what is considered a criminal act in one culture may not be seen as such in another.

More Information

The word "crime" encompasses a wide range of illegal acts, from petty offenses like shoplifting to major violations like murder. Criminal law varies by jurisdiction, and what constitutes a crime may change depending on the legal system. Modern criminology also focuses on the causes and consequences of crime, as well as the methods of crime prevention and rehabilitation of offenders. The study of crime has become a multidisciplinary field that draws from sociology, psychology, law, and economics.