Word: Habitual Criminal
Definition: A "habitual criminal" is someone who is often arrested and convicted for committing crimes, especially the same type of crime over and over again.
Usage Instructions:
The term is usually used in legal contexts to describe someone with a pattern of criminal behavior.
It is a noun phrase, meaning it functions as a subject or object in a sentence.
Example Sentence:
Advanced Usage:
Word Variants:
Habitual (adjective): Describing something that is done regularly. For example, "She is a habitual coffee drinker."
Criminal (noun): Refers to a person who has committed a crime. For example, "The criminal was caught on camera."
Habit (noun): A regular practice or routine, which can be good or bad. For example, "He has a habit of reading before bed."
Different Meanings:
The term "habitual" can refer to anything done regularly, not just criminal behavior. For example, "a habitual runner" means someone who runs regularly.
"Criminal" broadly refers to anyone who has broken the law, not just those who repeat offenses.
Synonyms:
Repeat offender
Recidivist
Reoffender
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:
"Caught red-handed": To be caught in the act of doing something wrong.
"Back in the saddle": To return to doing something, often after a break. In this context, it could refer to a criminal returning to crime after being released from prison.
Summary:
A "habitual criminal" is someone who repeatedly commits crimes, especially the same type. It's important to use this term carefully, as it relates to serious legal matters and behaviors.