criminal

crim-i-nal · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A person who has committed a crime.

  2. 2.

    Relating to crime or its punishment.

  3. 3.

    (informal) Shockingly bad or wrong.

Forms

plural: criminals

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    criminal record — a history of criminal convictions
  • •
    criminal justice — the system for dealing with crime
  • •
    criminal offense — an act punishable by law
  • •
    criminal negligence — reckless disregard for safety

Related words

Antonyms: law-abider
See also: crime, criminals, felon, offender
Synonyms: convict, culprit, felon, lawbreaker, offender

Etymology

From Late Latin criminalis, from Latin crimen meaning "charge, accusation, offense."