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Synonyms

lawbreaker

American  
[law-brey-ker] / ˈlɔˌbreɪ kər /

noun

  1. a person who breaks or violates the law.

    Synonyms:
    perpetrator, criminal, transgressor

lawbreaker British  
/ ˈlɔːˌbreɪkə /

noun

  1. a person who breaks the law

  2. informal something that does not conform with legal standards or requirements

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • lawbreaking noun

Etymology

Origin of lawbreaker

before 1050; Middle English lawbreker; replacing Old English lahbreca. See law 1, breaker 1

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

This time, though, we know who the lawbreakers are, but at least initially, not their very human, messy motivations.

From Salon

Noting that the unrest was confined to a small section of downtown, Hochman promised to hold the lawbreakers accountable and disputed that Los Angeles was “under siege.”

From Los Angeles Times

But he said he still prioritizes reducing the incarceration rate while also holding lawbreakers accountable and keeping crime low.

From Los Angeles Times

Newsom said he envisions a prison system that doesn’t just confine lawbreakers but better prepares them for reintegrating into communities after their release.

From Los Angeles Times

On Friday, Omar posted a message on social media saying that her daughter was not a lawbreaker, but a leader.

From Seattle Times