war crime

American

noun

Usually war crimes crimes committed against an enemy, prisoners of war, or subjects in wartime that violate international agreements or, as in the case of genocide, are offenses against humanity.

war crime British

noun

a crime committed in wartime in violation of the accepted rules and customs of war, such as genocide, ill-treatment of prisoners of war, etc

"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

war criminal noun

Etymology

Origin of war crime

First recorded in 1940–45

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.

"We must ensure that the perpetrators of these horrific violations face justice regardless of the affiliation," Turk said on Sunday, adding that repeated attacks on civilian infrastructure could constitute "war crimes".

From Barron's

On Friday, Syrian state television reported the release of 70 detainees in Latakia "after it was proven that they were not involved in war crimes", saying more releases would follow.

From Barron's

Established in 2002, the ICC is the world's only independent court devoted to investigating the most serious crimes, such as genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity.

From Barron's

The ICC, which prosecutes individuals for war crimes and crimes against humanity, is suffering arguably the most difficult period in its 23-year history.

From Barron's

Two former heads of all UK Special Forces suppressed evidence of possible SAS war crimes, a former high-ranking officer has told a public inquiry in closed evidence sessions.

From BBC

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023