The meaning of CRIMINAL is relating to, involving, or being a crime. How to use criminal in a sentence.

A criminal is someone who breaks the law. If you're a murderer, thief, or tax cheat, you're a criminal.

Define criminal. criminal synonyms, criminal pronunciation, criminal translation, English dictionary definition of criminal. adj. 1. Of, involving, or having the nature of crime: criminal abuse.

CRIMINAL definition: 1. someone who commits a crime: 2. relating to crime: 3. very bad or morally wrong: . Learn more.

If you describe an action as criminal, you think it is very wrong or a serious mistake.

When certain acts or people are involved in or related to a crime, they are referred to as criminal. For example: “criminal conspiracy,” “criminal taking,” a “criminal gang.”

Dec 2, 2025 · Crime is the intentional commission of an act usually deemed socially harmful or dangerous and specifically defined, prohibited, and punishable under criminal law.

CRIMINAL definition: of the nature of or involving crime. See examples of criminal used in a sentence.

Below you'll find detailed yet easy-to-understand Criminal Law articles from our legal pros. These articles are organized by category to help you find what you're looking for.

6 days ago · Criminal law, the body of law that defines criminal offenses, regulates the apprehension, charging, and trial of suspected persons, and fixes penalties and modes of treatment applicable to …