crime: Meaning and Definition of

crime

Pronunciation: (krīm), [key]
— n.
  1. an action or an instance of negligence that is deemed injurious to the public welfare or morals or to the interests of the state and that is legally prohibited.
  2. criminal activity and those engaged in it: to fight crime.
  3. the habitual or frequent commission of crimes: a life of crime.
  4. any offense, serious wrongdoing, or sin.
  5. a foolish, senseless, or shameful act: It's a crime to let that beautiful garden go to ruin.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
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