CRIME

noun Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin ~n accusation, reproach, ~; probably akin to Latin cernere to sift, determine Date: 14th century an act or the commission of an act that is forbidden or the omission of a duty that is commanded by a public law and that makes the offender liable to punishment by that law, a grave offense especially against morality, criminal activity , something reprehensible, foolish, or disgraceful , see: offense ~less adjective