Criminal
/ˈkrɪm.ɪ.nəl/noun
A person who has committed a crime.
Did you know?The term 'criminal' comes from Latin roots meaning 'pertaining to a crime', connecting sin and wrongdoing in ancient thought.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
crimina
“Acts of wrongdoing or sin.”
Late Latin
Late Latin
criminalis
“Pertaining to crime or sin.”
Old French
Old French
criminal
“Relating to a crime or offender.”
14th Century
Middle English
criminal
“One who has committed a crime; an offender.”
Modern English
English
criminal
“A person who engages in unlawful activity.”
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