Crime Meaning
Crime Definition & Usage
An act that is forbidden by law and punishable by law, typically involving harm to individuals, property, or society.
Examples
- "The police are investigating a series of burglaries in the neighborhood."
- "His crime was so severe that he was sentenced to life imprisonment."
- "It's a crime to drive under the influence of alcohol."
- "He committed a financial crime by embezzling company funds."
- "The city has been struggling with a rise in violent crimes."
A morally wrong or unethical act, even if not illegal in a strict legal sense.
Examples
- "Lying to your friends is a crime of trust."
- "She felt guilty for betraying her colleague, which she considered a crime of friendship."
- "He thought his actions were justified, but to me, it was a crime against humanity."
- "The exploitation of workers in sweatshops is a crime against basic human dignity."
- "Taking advantage of someone's vulnerability is an unforgivable crime."
A minor violation of rules or norms, often used informally or in a less serious context.
Examples
- "Skipping class might be considered a small crime in some schools."
- "He was caught for a minor traffic crime like running a red light."
- "It's a crime to leave your shoes on the doorstep in our household."
- "Leaving food wrappers around the park is a crime against cleanliness."
- "Being late for work every day is a minor crime in the eyes of the boss."
Cultural Context
The concept of crime has existed throughout human history and varies greatly between cultures and legal systems. In modern society, crimes are typically categorized as felonies or misdemeanors, depending on the severity of the offense. The legal definitions of crime are shaped by the cultural and ethical values of the society in which they are enforced.
The Hidden Crime
Story
The Hidden Crime
It was a rainy evening when Inspector Maya arrived at the scene. The alley, dark and slippery, had witnessed its fair share of crimes over the years. Tonight, however, it wasn't just a petty crime—a new case had emerged that threatened to change the city's course. Maya stood still, her eyes scanning the area. A young man named Robert had been found dead, but there was no sign of a struggle. His death was the result of what seemed to be a crime of passion, a tragic event spiraling out of control. The autopsy later revealed that Robert had been poisoned, an act considered a severe crime, one that could destroy a family. But as Maya delved deeper into the investigation, she uncovered a crime of another kind: corruption within the city's police force. An officer had taken bribes to turn a blind eye to criminal activities in exchange for cash. This was a far more dangerous crime, as it affected the entire system meant to protect the innocent. Maya met with her partner, Carlos, at the diner after a long day. 'I still can't believe it,' Maya said, stirring her coffee. 'How can someone betray their own people like that? It's one thing to break the law, but to break the trust of an entire community... that's a crime that runs deeper.' Carlos nodded grimly. 'It's a crime of ethics. Corruption isn't just illegal, it's a moral crime that harms the soul of the city.' Later that night, Maya returned home and reflected on her findings. She thought about how crimes of all kinds had unfolded before her eyes—some so heinous they broke the law, others so morally damaging they left scars far beyond the law's reach. The city would never be the same. In the end, Maya realized that crime wasn't just a matter of legality. It was the breakdown of trust, the erosion of society's basic fabric. And this was something that couldn't be fixed by simply enforcing the law. It required a change in how people viewed right and wrong. As Maya sat in her office, the city's skyline glowing outside her window, she wondered how many other 'crimes' were happening in the shadows, unseen but just as destructive. The story was just beginning, and the true nature of crime, in all its forms, was yet to unfold.
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