crime

An action that breaks the law and can lead to punishment.

• Stealing is a crime.
• The police are investigating a serious crime.
• He served five years in prison for his crimes.

How to use it: commit a crime (He was accused of committing a crime.); a crime against someone/something (The attack was a crime against innocent people.)

Similar words: offence, criminal act

Common phrases: commit a crime, serious crime, crime against someone

Illegal actions considered together as a problem in society.

• Crime has fallen this year.
• The city is trying to reduce violent crime.
• Better street lighting may help prevent crime.

Similar words: criminal activity, lawbreaking

Common phrases: organized crime, violent crime, fight crime

The activity of breaking the law, often repeatedly.

• She left behind a life of crime.
• The gang made its money through crime.
• Can better education keep young people away from crime?

How to use it: turn to crime (He turned to crime after losing his job.)

Similar words: criminal activity

Common phrases: turn to crime, life of crime, organized crime

An action you think is very wrong, unfair, or wasteful, even if it is legal.

• Wasting that cake is a crime.
• It would be a crime to destroy this beautiful garden.
• She thought charging so much for water was a crime.

How to use it: it is a crime to do something (It is a crime to waste such good food.)

Similar words: disgrace, shame

Common phrases: a real crime, crime to waste