crime-fighter: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal, journalistic, popular culture
Quick answer
What does “crime-fighter” mean?
A person, often a law enforcement officer or vigilante, who actively works to combat and prevent crime.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person, often a law enforcement officer or vigilante, who actively works to combat and prevent crime.
Can refer to any individual or organization dedicated to opposing criminal activity, including police officers, detectives, superheroes, or even community activists. The term often carries connotations of heroism and direct confrontation with criminals.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is very similar. Slightly more prevalent in American media, especially in comic book/superhero contexts. The hyphenated form is slightly more common in British English.
Connotations
In both varieties, it implies proactive, often brave opposition to crime. In US usage, it may more readily evoke the image of a comic book superhero.
Frequency
Low-frequency word in formal contexts, but common in tabloid journalism, entertainment media, and political rhetoric in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “crime-fighter” in a Sentence
[crime-fighter] + [verb: fights/combats/tackles] + [crime/corruption]The [adjective] crime-fighterA crime-fighter known for [noun phrase/gerund]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “crime-fighter” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A - not used as a verb.
American English
- N/A - not used as a verb.
adverb
British English
- N/A - not used as an adverb.
American English
- N/A - not used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- N/A - not used as a standard adjective. Can be used attributively in compounds like 'crime-fighter persona'.
- He adopted a crime-fighter attitude.
American English
- N/A - not used as a standard adjective. Can be used attributively in compounds like 'crime-fighter mentality'.
- The city's crime-fighter mayor made headlines.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might be used metaphorically for a compliance officer or someone fighting financial crime.
Academic
Very rare. Not a technical term in criminology.
Everyday
Used in conversation about news, films, or comics. e.g., 'He's a real local crime-fighter.'
Technical
Not used in legal or formal police terminology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “crime-fighter”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “crime-fighter”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “crime-fighter”
- Misspelling as one word 'crimefighter' (acceptable but less standard) or 'crime fighter' without hyphen.
- Using in overly formal contexts where 'law enforcement professional' is more appropriate.
- Confusing with 'crime reporter' (journalist).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is not a formal job title. It is a descriptive, often journalistic or colloquial term used to characterise someone's role or actions.
Yes, if they are actively involved in preventing crime in their community, for example, through neighbourhood watch schemes or activism. The term can be used broadly.
A detective is a specific type of police officer who investigates crimes. A 'crime-fighter' is a broader, more heroic term that can include detectives, but also vigilantes, superheroes, or anyone seen as actively battling crime.
The standard and most common spelling is with a hyphen: 'crime-fighter'. The open compound 'crime fighter' is also acceptable, and the closed form 'crimefighter' is increasingly seen, especially in American English.
A person, often a law enforcement officer or vigilante, who actively works to combat and prevent crime.
Crime-fighter: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkraɪm ˌfaɪ.tər/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkraɪm ˌfaɪ.t̬ɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A one-man/woman crime-fighting unit”
- “To take up the mantle of a crime-fighter”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a FIGHTER in a ring, but their opponent is CRIME. They are fighting against crime.
Conceptual Metaphor
CRIME IS AN ENEMY / OPPONENT (to be fought, battled, defeated). JUSTICE IS A PHYSICAL CONFLICT.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'crime-fighter' LEAST likely to be used?