noun a person who has committed a crime
adjective relating to crime or criminals
The word 'criminal' is commonly used in the field of law to refer to individuals who have been convicted of committing a crime.
In criminology, the word 'criminal' is used to describe individuals who engage in criminal behavior and to study the causes and consequences of crime.
Within the context of justice, 'criminal' is used to refer to individuals who have been accused or convicted of a crime and are subject to legal proceedings.
In policing, the term 'criminal' is used to describe individuals who are suspected of or have committed a crime, and to refer to activities related to apprehending and prosecuting criminals.
In the context of a writer, 'criminal' may be used to describe characters in a story or plot involving illegal activities or law-breaking.
In the context of a psychologist, 'criminal' may be used to refer to individuals who have committed crimes and are seeking therapy or rehabilitation.