Cecily Zamora
Someone who breaks the law is typically called a criminal, but there are several other synonyms, including lawbreaker, violator, perpetrator, and transgressor. The word violator comes from the Latin violare, meaning to treat with violence or dishonour.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| General term | Criminal |
| Synonyms | Lawbreaker, Violator, Perpetrator, Transgressor |
What You'll Learn
Criminal
A person who breaks the law is typically called a "criminal". However, there are other synonyms and related words that are used to describe someone who breaks the law, and these often depend on the specific crime committed or law broken.
A person who breaks the law may be referred to as a "lawbreaker", "violator", "perpetrator", "transgressor", or "crook". If a person has been legally convicted of a crime, they are often referred to as a "criminal".
The word "violator" comes from the Latin "violare", which means "to treat with violence or dishonour". This word is used to describe someone who breaks rules or laws, such as a violator of the speed limit or a violator of copyright laws.
Other words that are associated with the term "lawbreaker" include "villainous", "criminal", "young", and "deserter". These words may be used to describe a person who breaks the law, depending on the context and the specific crime committed.
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Lawbreaker
A person who breaks the law is often referred to as a "criminal". However, there are several other synonyms and related words that are used to describe someone who breaks the law, one of which is "lawbreaker".
A lawbreaker is someone who breaks or violates the law. This term can be used to describe a wide range of individuals, from those who commit minor infractions to serious offenders. The word "lawbreaker" is a direct and explicit way to describe someone who engages in illegal activities. It conveys a strong sense of disobedience and disregard for legal norms and standards.
Related Words and Context
The word "lawbreaker" is often associated with other terms that imply criminality and wrongdoing. These include "criminal", "violator", "perpetrator", "transgressor", "offender", and "malefactor". The specific term used to describe a lawbreaker may depend on the context and the nature of the crime committed. For instance, a "violator" may refer to someone who breaks rules or laws, such as a speed limit or a school dress code.
Usage in Media and Politics
The word "lawbreaker" is commonly used in media and political discourse, particularly when discussing crime, punishment, and law enforcement policies. For example, a news article might refer to "stopping lawbreakers in their tracks" or a politician might propose policies to "hold lawbreakers accountable".
While "criminal" is a more commonly used term, "lawbreaker" can be used in situations where there is a need to emphasise the act of breaking the law, or to distinguish between those who have been convicted of a crime and those who have merely broken a law but have not been caught or convicted.
In summary, "lawbreaker" is a powerful and explicit term to describe individuals who break the law, and it is often used in conjunction with other words related to crime and wrongdoing.
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Violator
A person who breaks the law is often referred to as a "criminal", but there are other terms that can be used depending on the specific context and the crime committed. One such term is "violator".
A "violator" is someone who violates or breaks the law. The term is derived from the Latin word "violare", which means "to treat with violence or dishonour". It implies a deliberate act of disobedience or rule-breaking.
A "violator" can refer to someone who breaks a specific law or rule, such as a speed limit, a school dress code, or copyright laws. For example, if someone drives well above the speed limit, they are violating the law and can be referred to as a "violator" of the speed limit. Similarly, if someone copies content from a book for an essay without proper attribution, they are violating copyright laws and can be described as a "violator" of those laws.
The term "violator" can also be used in a broader sense to describe someone who has committed a crime or has been legally convicted of a crime. It is often used interchangeably with other words such as "lawbreaker", "criminal", "crook", "felon", and "outlaw". These terms all convey a similar meaning of someone who has broken the law and can be used depending on the specific context and the nature of the crime.
In some cases, the term "violator" can also refer to someone who assaults others sexually. It can be used to describe a person who is morally unrestrained or dissolute, particularly in the context of sexual behaviour.
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Perpetrator
A "perpetrator" is someone who breaks the law. Other synonyms include "criminal", "lawbreaker", and "violator". These terms are often used interchangeably, but there can be nuances depending on the context and the specific crime committed.
A "criminal" is typically someone who has been convicted or found guilty of a crime by a legal authority. This term is generally used to describe someone who has committed a serious offence and is considered a threat to society. The word "criminal" also carries a sense of intentionality, implying that the person knew their actions were unlawful.
A "lawbreaker" is a broader term for someone who violates the law or does not conform to legal standards. This word can be used for a range of unlawful acts, from minor infractions to more serious crimes. It implies a disregard for the law, even if the act itself is not necessarily harmful or malicious.
A "violator" is someone who breaks rules or disobeys laws and agreements. This term is often used for more specific types of violations, such as violating a school dress code or copyright laws. It suggests a deliberate action against established norms or rules.
In summary, while these terms are often used interchangeably, they carry subtle differences in connotation and the level of seriousness of the unlawful act. The specific choice of word depends on the context, the nature of the crime, and the speaker's perception of the perpetrator's actions.
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Transgressor
A transgressor is someone who breaks the law. Typically, an individual who breaks the law is referred to as a “criminal”, but there are other words that can be used depending on the crime committed or the law broken. For example, someone who violates the speed limit by driving 90 miles per hour on the highway can be referred to as a "violator".
The word "transgressor" comes from the Latin "transgredior", which means "to step across". This term is often used to describe someone who has committed a crime or wronged someone. It implies that the person has crossed a line or boundary, either morally or legally.
In the legal context, a transgressor is someone who has committed a crime and is therefore subject to punishment under the law. The punishment for transgressors will depend on the specific laws broken and the jurisdiction in which the crime was committed.
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Frequently asked questions
A person who breaks the law is typically called a “criminal”, but there are different words depending on the crime committed or the law they broke.
Some other words are "lawbreaker", "violator", “perpetrator”, and “transgressor”.
A "violator" is someone who disobeys a law or breaks an agreement.
A violator of the school dress code might wear a clown costume to school, and a violator of copyright laws might copy their entire essay from a book.
The word "lawbreaker" dates back to before 1050 and comes from the Middle English "lawbreker", which replaced the Old English "lahbreca".
