15 Words to Enhance Your Crime Vocabulary

Crime represents an unavoidable aspect of our reality. It’s a complex field, but there are terms that are crucial for understanding the nuances of crime-related vocabulary, law enforcement, and justice. Join The Reliable Narrator on a journey through 15 key crime vocabulary words.

The Reliable Narrator will define these crime vocabulary words, discuss their implications, and explain their roles within the broader context of crime and justice. By the end of this word journey, you’ll have a deeper understanding of criminal terminology and be able to discuss these issues more effectively in your conversations and writing.

Felony

Definition: A serious crime, usually punishable by imprisonment for more than one year or by death.

Pronunciation: /ˈfeləni/

Use: “Robbery,” “kidnapping,” and “murder” are examples of felonies.

Misdemeanor

Definition: A minor wrongdoing, less severe than a felony, punishable by a fine or short-term jail sentence.

Pronunciation: /ˌmɪsdɪˈmiːnər/

Use: “Vandalism” and “trespassing” are considered misdemeanors.

Alibi

Definition: A claim or piece of evidence that one was elsewhere when a crime was committed.

Pronunciation: /ˈælɪbaɪ/

Use: She was released after a witness confirmed her alibi.

Forensics

Definition: Scientific tests or techniques used in the investigation of crimes.

Pronunciation: /fəˈrenzɪks/

Use: Forensics analysis was crucial in finding traces of the substance used in the crime.

Homicide

Definition: The killing of one person by another, whether intentional (murder) or unintentional (manslaughter).

Pronunciation: /ˈhɒmɪsaɪd/

Use: The detective was tasked with solving several homicide cases.

Fraud

Definition: Wrongful or criminal deception intended to result in financial or personal gain.

Pronunciation: /frɔːd/

Use: He was found guilty of committing fraud by manipulating financial documents.

Arson

Definition: The criminal act of deliberately setting fire to property.

Pronunciation: /ˈɑːrsən/

Use: The abandoned warehouse was set ablaze in an act of arson.

Burglary

Definition: Illegal entry into a building with the intent to commit a crime, especially theft.

Pronunciation: /ˈbɜːrɡləri/

Use: The family returned home to discover they had been victims of burglary.

Accomplice

Definition: A person who helps another commit a crime.

Pronunciation: /əˈkɒmplɪs/

Use: The thief’s accomplice served as a lookout during the robbery.

Perjury

Definition: The offense of willfully telling an untruth in a court after having taken an oath or affirmation.

Pronunciation: /ˈpɜːrdʒəri/

Use: The witness was sentenced for committing perjury during the trial.

Probation

Definition: The release of an offender from detention, subject to a period of good behavior under supervision.

Pronunciation: /proʊˈbeɪʃən/

Use: After serving part of his sentence, he was put on probation.

Indictment

Definition: A formal charge or accusation of a serious crime.

Pronunciation: /ɪnˈdaɪtmənt/

Use: The indictment charged the official with multiple counts of corruption.

Larceny

Definition: Theft of personal property.

Pronunciation: /ˈlɑːrsəni/

Use: The criminal was arrested for grand larceny after stealing expensive electronics.

Subpoena

Definition: A legal document ordering someone to attend court.

Pronunciation: /səˈpiːnə/

Use: The journalist received a subpoena to testify in the case.

Incarceration

Definition: The state of being confined in prison; imprisonment.

Pronunciation: /ɪnˌkɑːrsəˈreɪʃən/

Use: The suspect faced a long period of incarceration if convicted.

Reliable Thoughts

Crime, with all its facets, represents a challenging aspect of society. Each of these crime vocabulary words helps provide a deeper insight into understanding criminal behavior and the justice system. With these words now in your lexicon, you are more knowledgeable with this legal terminology.

Recognize the gravity of these words as you explore the implications of law and order!

Did we miss a crime vocabulary word? Comment below and add your own words to this ever-growing list of crime-inspired terms!