an action or an instance of negligence that is deemed injurious to the public welfare or morals or to the interests of the state and that is legally prohibited.

criminal activity and those engaged in it

to fight crime.

the habitual or frequent commission of crimes

a life of crime.

any offense, serious wrongdoing, or sin.

a foolish, senseless, or shameful act

It's a crime to let that beautiful garden go to ruin.

noun

good deed , kindness

noun

abomination , antisocial behavior , atrocity , breach , break , caper , case , corruption , criminality , delict , delictum , delinquency , depravity , dereliction , enormity , evil , evil behavior , fast one , fault , felony , hit , illegality , immorality , infraction , infringement , iniquity , job , lawlessness , malefaction , malfeasance , misconduct , misdeed , misdemeanor , mortal sin , outrage , racket , scandal , sneak , tort , transgression , trespass , unlawful act , vice , villainy , violation , wickedness , wrong , wrongdoingnotes:crime is from latin crimen \'judgment , accusation , offense\' and a crime is an act in violation of a law; a misdemeanor is a less serious crime while a felony is a major crime , offense , deviltry , diablerie , evildoing , peccancy , sin , wrongdoing , pity , abduction , abuse , act , arson , barratry , bigamy , commission , contumacy , crime of passion , defalcation , embezzlement , embracery , extortion , incest , incrimination , larceny , mens rea , murder , perjury , perpetration , polygamy , rape , treason , vagrancy