IELTS Vocabulary: Crime

This lesson covers essential crime-related vocabulary, including collocations, idioms, phrasal verbs, and legal terms to help you excel in IELTS Speaking and Writing.

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1. Crime-Related Collocations

A. Types of Crimes & Criminals

1. Break the law (v.) – do something illegal.
   • Example (Speaking): “Anyone who breaks the law should face consequences.”
   • Example (Writing): “Strict punishments are necessary to deter people from breaking the law.”
2. Commit a crime (v.) – perform an illegal act.
   • Example (Speaking): “Teenagers sometimes commit crimes due to peer pressure.”
3. Brutal murder / Savage rape (adj. + n.) – extremely violent crimes.
   • Example (Writing): “The news reported a brutal murder in the city center last night.”
4. Attempted crime (adj. + n.) – an unsuccessful crime.
   • Example (Speaking): “The man was arrested for attempted robbery.”
5. Alleged crime (adj. + n.) – a crime that is claimed but not proven.
   • Example (Writing): “The alleged thief will appear in court next week.”
6. Investigate a crime (v. + n.) – examine a crime to find the truth.
   • Example (Speaking): “Police are investigating the crime to identify the culprit.”
7. Forensic evidence (n.) – scientific proof (fingerprints, DNA, etc.).
   • Example (Writing): “Forensic evidence helped solve the cold case.”
8. First-hand account (n.) – a direct description from a witness.
   • Example (Speaking): “The trial relied on first-hand accounts from bystanders.”
9. Unsolved crime (adj. + n.) – a crime with no known perpetrator.
   • Example (Writing): “Many unsolved crimes remain a mystery for decades.”
10. Crime rate (n.) – the number of crimes in an area.

• Example (Speaking): “The government aims to reduce the crime rate.”

11. Crime wave (n.) – a sudden increase in crime.

• Example (Writing): “The city experienced a crime wave after the economic crisis.”

12. First-time offender (n.) – someone committing their first crime.

• Example (Speaking): “First-time offenders often receive lighter sentences.”

13. Criminal record (n.) – a history of someone’s crimes.

• Example (Writing): “Having a criminal record makes it hard to find a job.”

14. Notorious criminal (adj. + n.) – a famous criminal.

• Example (Speaking): “Al Capone was a notorious criminal during Prohibition.”

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B. Specific Crimes & Criminals

1. Cold-blooded killer – a murderer without remorse.
   • Example (Writing): “The serial killer was described as cold-blooded.”
2. Crazed / Psychopathic killer – an insane murderer.
   • Example (Speaking): “The movie villain was a psychopathic killer.”
3. Domestic violence – abuse within a household.
   • Example (Writing): “Laws against domestic violence have become stricter.”
4. Drug trafficking – illegal drug trade.
   • Example (Speaking): “Drug trafficking is a global problem.”
5. Identity theft – stealing personal information.
   • Example (Writing): “Online scams often lead to identity theft.”
6. Sexual harassment – unwanted sexual advances.
   • Example (Speaking): “Workplace sexual harassment must be reported.”
7. Petty crime – minor offenses (shoplifting, vandalism).
   • Example (Writing): “Petty crimes are common in crowded areas.”
8. Armed robbery – theft using weapons.
   • Example (Speaking): “The bank was targeted in an armed robbery.”

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2. Crime-Related Idioms

1. “Behind bars” – in jail.
   • Example: “The thief is now behind bars.”
2. “Get away with murder” – escape punishment.
   • Example: “Corrupt politicians seem to get away with murder.”
3. “A slap on the wrist” – a mild punishment.
   • Example: “The fraudster only got a slap on the wrist.”
4. “Turn a blind eye” – ignore wrongdoing.
   • Example: “Police must not turn a blind eye to crime.”
5. “Caught red-handed” – caught in the act.
   • Example: “The burglar was caught red-handed.”

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3. Phrasal Verbs Related to Crime

1. “Break into” – enter illegally.
   • Example: “Thieves broke into the house at night.”
2. “Get away” – escape.
   • Example: “The robbers got away before the police arrived.”
3. “Lock up” – imprison.
   • Example: “The judge decided to lock up the criminal.”
4. “Turn oneself in” – surrender to police.
   • Example: “After weeks in hiding, he turned himself in.”
5. “Set up” – falsely accuse someone.
   • Example: “He claimed he was set up by his enemies.”

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4. Legal & Justice Terms

1. Arrest (v.) – detain a suspect.
2. Trial (n.) – court proceedings.
3. Verdict (n.) – final court decision.
4. Sentencing (n.) – punishment given.
5. Parole (n.) – early release from prison.

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5. Synonyms for “Crime”

• Offense
• Felony (serious crime)
• Misdemeanor (minor crime)
• Illegal act
• Wrongdoing

6. Crime-Specific Vocabulary

1. White-collar crime (n.) – Non-violent financial crimes (fraud, embezzlement).

• Collocation: Commit white-collar crime
• Example (Writing): “Corporate executives involved in white-collar crime often face hefty fines.”

2. Hate crime (n.) – A crime motivated by prejudice (race, religion, etc.).

• Collocation: Target hate crimes
• Example (Speaking): “Hate crimes have risen in multicultural cities.”

3. Cybercrime (n.) – Illegal acts using computers (hacking, scams).

• Collocation: Combat cybercrime
• Example (Writing): “Governments must invest in cybersecurity to prevent cybercrime.”

4. Perpetrator (n.) – The person who commits a crime.

• Collocation: Apprehend the perpetrator
• Example (Speaking): “Police are searching for the perpetrator of the armed robbery.”

5. Accomplice (n.) – A helper in a crime.

• Collocation: Arrest an accomplice
• Example (Writing): “The thief’s accomplice was sentenced to five years in prison.”

6. Extortion (n.) – Forcing someone to pay through threats.

• Collocation: Charge with extortion
• Example (Speaking): “The gang was involved in extortion and blackmail.”

7. Fraudster (n.) – A person who commits fraud.

• Collocation: Convict a fraudster
• Example (Writing): “The fraudster tricked victims into investing in fake schemes.”

8. Witness tampering (n.) – Intimidating or bribing witnesses.

• Collocation: Accuse of witness tampering
• Example (Speaking): “The trial was delayed due to witness tampering.”

9. Manslaughter (n.) – Unintentional killing (vs. murder).

• Collocation: Charge with manslaughter
• Example (Writing): “The driver was convicted of manslaughter after the fatal accident.”

10. Arson (n.) – Deliberately setting fires.

• Collocation: Investigate arson
• Example (Speaking): “The abandoned building was destroyed in an act of arson.”

11. Embezzlement (n.) – Stealing money entrusted to you.

• Collocation: Commit embezzlement
• Example (Writing): “The CEO was jailed for embezzlement of company funds.”

12. Pickpocketing (n.) – Stealing from pockets/bags in public.

• Collocation: Prevent pickpocketing
• Example (Speaking): “Tourists should beware of pickpocketing in crowded areas.”

13. Kidnapping (n.) – Abducting someone for ransom.

• Collocation: Rescue kidnapping victims
• Example (Writing): “Kidnapping for ransom is a serious crime in some countries.”

14. Bribery (n.) – Offering money to influence someone.

• Collocation: Expose bribery
• Example (Speaking): “The politician resigned after a bribery scandal.”

15. Vandalism (n.) – Deliberate property damage.

• Collocation: Reduce vandalism
• Example (Writing): “Graffiti and vandalism are common problems in urban areas.”