criminalism

noun

crim·​i·​nal·​ism

ˈkrimənᵊlˌizəm,

-mnəˌli-

plural -s

: the tendency to criminality

also : habitual criminality

Word History

Etymology

probably from French criminalisme, from Late Latin criminalis criminal + French -isme -ism

First Known Use

1866, in the meaning defined above

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!