crime

Everyday

1. An action that is against the law and can be punished, such as stealing or hurting someone. tree →
2. Such actions in general, in a place. tree →
3. (informal) Something that is very wrong or a shame. tree →

In the lessons

In citizenship lessons, crime is linked to laws, police, courts and punishment; children learn that taking things, hurting people, or damaging property can be crimes. In stories, detectives solve crimes and find who did them. In safety, if you see a crime, tell a trusted adult or call the emergency number. Phrases: «commit a crime», «solve a crime», «crime scene», «the scene of the crime», «crime rate».

Examples

• Stealing is a crime. tree →
• The detective solved the crime by finding a footprint. tree →
• The police are trying to stop crime in our town. tree →
• Breaking a shop window on purpose is a crime. tree →
• Sherlock Holmes looked carefully at the scene of the crime. tree →
• Crime went down after they put in more street lights. tree →
• It's a crime to waste all this food! tree →
• If you see a crime, tell an adult and stay safe. tree →
• "Who committed the crime!" said Ivan. tree →

Note

Countable for one act (a crime, crimes); uncountable for crime in general («there is little crime here»). A person who commits a crime is a «criminal». Breaking a school rule is not a crime; breaking a law is. A «sin» is a religious idea, not the same as a crime.

In Jewish tradition

It means a serious wrong. Job speaks of adultery as a heinous crime for judges to punish, and Ezekiel of the land full of bloody crimes.

Interpretation. The tradition sees serious wrongs as harming both people and the covenant with God. Judges must punish them fairly.

Examples

• For that were a heinous crime; yea, it were an iniquity to be punished by the judges. (Writings JOB.31.11, JPS 1917) tree →
• Make the chain; for the land is full of bloody crimes, and the city is full of violence. (Prophets EZK.7.23, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Countable for one act (a crime, crimes); uncountable for crime in general («there is little crime here»). A person who commits a crime is a «criminal». Breaking a school rule is not a crime; breaking a law is. A «sin» is a religious idea, not the same as a crime.