criminal Definition
- 1a person who has committed a crime
- 2relating to crime
Using criminal: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "criminal" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The criminal was sentenced to life in prison.
Example
He has a long history of criminal behavior.
Example
She works for a law firm that specializes in criminal cases.
Example
The police are investigating the criminal activities of the gang.
criminal Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for criminal
- culprit
- offender
- lawbreaker
- delinquent
- perpetrator
Antonyms for criminal
- law-abiding
- innocent
Idioms Using criminal
a criminal mind
a way of thinking that is associated with criminal behavior
Example
The detective was able to solve the case by getting inside the criminal mind of the suspect.
go criminal
to start engaging in criminal behavior
Example
He went criminal after losing his job and getting into debt.
make a criminal out of someone
to cause someone to become a criminal
Example
The harsh living conditions and lack of opportunities can make a criminal out of someone.
Phrases with criminal
criminal record
a list of a person's previous criminal convictions
Example
He was denied entry to the country because of his criminal record.
criminal justice system
the system by which society responds to crimes and criminals, including law enforcement, courts, and corrections
Example
The criminal justice system is designed to protect the rights of both victims and defendants.
criminal mastermind
a person who is highly intelligent and skilled at planning and executing complex criminal schemes
Example
The heist was planned and executed by a criminal mastermind who has never been caught.
Summary: criminal in Brief
The term 'criminal' [ˈkrɪmɪn(ə)l] refers to a person who has committed a crime or something relating to crime. It is used in contexts such as 'criminal record' and 'criminal justice system.' The term also extends into idioms like 'a criminal mind,' referring to a way of thinking associated with criminal behavior, and 'go criminal,' meaning to start engaging in criminal behavior.
