Definitions for crimekraɪm

Random House Webster's College Dictionary

crime^*kraɪm(n.)

an action that is deemed injurious to the public welfare and is legally prohibited.
Category: Law
criminal activity and those engaged in it:
to fight crime.
any serious wrongdoing.
a foolish act or practice:
It's a crime to let that beautiful garden go to ruin.

^* Syn: crime , offense , sin agree in referring to a breaking of law. crime usu. refers to any serious violation of a public law: the crime of treason. offense is used of a less serious violation of a public law, or of a violation of a social or moral rule: a traffic offense; an offense against propriety. sin means a breaking of a moral or divine law: the sin of envy.

Origin of crime:

1200–50; ME < AF, OF < L crīmin-, s. of crīmen charge, crime

Princeton's WordNet

crime, offense, criminal offense, criminal offence, offence, law-breaking(noun)
(criminal law) an act punishable by law; usually considered an evil act
"a long record of crimes"
crime(noun)
an evil act not necessarily punishable by law
"crimes of the heart"

Kernerman English Learner's Dictionary

crime(noun)ɪm
illegal acts
Violent crime is rising in the area.; crime prevention; The crime rate is rising/falling.
crimeɪm
an illegal act
violent crimes; crimes against humanity; teenagers who commit crimes
crimeɪm
indicates you think sth is morally wrong
She acts like it's a crime to hold hands with him.

Wiktionary

crime(Noun)
A specific act committed in violation of the law.
crime(Noun)
The practice or habit of committing crimes.
Crime doesnu2019t pay.

Origin: crimen from cernere

Webster Dictionary

Crime(noun)
any violation of law, either divine or human; an omission of a duty commanded, or the commission of an act forbidden by law
Crime(noun)
gross violation of human law, in distinction from a misdemeanor or trespass, or other slight offense. Hence, also, any aggravated offense against morality or the public welfare; any outrage or great wrong
Crime(noun)
any great wickedness or sin; iniquity
Crime(noun)
that which occasion crime

U.S. National Library of Medicine

Crime
A violation of the criminal law, i.e., a breach of the conduct code specifically sanctioned by the state, which through its administrative agencies prosecutes offenders and imposes and administers punishments. The concept includes unacceptable actions whether prosecuted or going unpunished.