Criminal Meaning
/ˈkɹɪm.ɪ.nəl/Definition, CEFR level B1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
adjAgainst the law; forbidden by law.
adjGuilty of breaking the law.
Sentence Examples
Ben was believed to be a criminal.
That is a criminal offense, and you will surely be punished!
Does such an activity constitute a criminal offence?
CEFR Practice Quiz
The police arrested the ____ after a long chase through the city.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
Ben was believed to be a ____.
Word Origin & History
From Middle English cryminal, borrowed from Anglo-Norman criminal, from Late Latin criminalis, from Latin crimen (“crime”).
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"Foppish and fantastic ornaments are only indications of vice, not criminal in themselves."
— 1711 March 29 (Gregorian calendar), [Joseph Addison; Richard Steele et al.], “SUNDAY, March 19, 1710–1711”, in The Spectator, number 16; republished in Alexander Chalmers, editor, The Spectator; a New Edition, […], volume I, New York, N.Y.: D[aniel] Appleton & Company, 1853, →OCLC:
"The neglect of any of the relative duties renders us criminal in the sight of God."
— a. 1729, John Rogers, The Difficulties of Obtaining Salvation:
"The officers and servants of the crown, violating the personal liberty, or other right of the subject […] in some cases, were liable to criminal process."
— 1827, Henry Hallam, The Constitutional History of England from the Accession of Henry VII. to the Death of George II. […], volume (please specify |volume=I or II), London: John Murray, […], →OCLC:
"[...] I think it represents exceptional value for money and I think it would be criminal not to go ahead and build it.""
— 2020 May 6, Graeme Pickering, “Borders Railway: time for the next step”, in Rail, page 54:
"‘[…] There's every Staffordshire crime-piece ever made in this cabinet, and that's unique. The Van Hoyer Museum in New York hasn't that very rare second version of Maria Marten's Red Barn over there, nor the little Frederick George Manning—he was the criminal Dickens saw hanged on the roof of the gaol in Horsemonger Lane, by the way—’"
— 1963, Margery Allingham, chapter 3, in The China Governess: A Mystery, London: Chatto & Windus, →OCLC:
Explore More B1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The police arrested the ____ after a long chase through the city.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
Ben was believed to be a ____.