Laxi Dictionary

English Dictionary

Define dictionary terms easily in our powerful online English dictionary.

Searching for...

No matching words found

Try a different search term or browse the dictionary

Definition criminal in British English

criminal adjective

adjective
/ˈkrɪmɪn(ə)l/
Example

The book examines the causes of criminal behaviour.

Example

It is a criminal offence to threaten someone with violence.

Synonyms and related words
illegal unlawful shady
1.1

relating to parts of the legal system that deal with crime

Example

the criminal justice system

Example

Police are conducting a criminal investigation into his business affairs.

Example

You could face criminal charges.

Example

There is not enough evidence to start criminal proceedings against him.

Synonyms and related words
antitrust appellate civil
1.2

used about people who often commit crimes

Example

the criminal element in society

Example

links between politicians and the criminal underworld

Synonyms and related words
illegal unlawful shady
2

bad, wrong, or unfair in a way that makes you angry

Example

It's criminal the way they treat their animals.

Example

That's a criminal waste of resources.

Synonyms and related words
evil wicked gross unfair unjust unequal
Definition criminal in British English