crime passionnel: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (C2)Formal / Journalistic / Legal
Quick answer
What does “crime passionnel” mean?
A crime, typically murder, committed in a moment of intense emotional disturbance, such as sudden anger or jealousy.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A crime, typically murder, committed in a moment of intense emotional disturbance, such as sudden anger or jealousy.
A legal and journalistic term for a violent crime, usually homicide, where the perpetrator's motive is attributed to overwhelming, temporary passion or emotional turmoil (often romantic or sexual jealousy) rather than premeditation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is understood in both varieties but is perhaps marginally more common in UK journalism and legal discourse due to geographical and historical proximity to France. In the US, the concept exists in law (as 'heat of passion' manslaughter) but the French term is less frequently used.
Connotations
In both varieties, it can carry a slightly sensational or romanticized connotation, sometimes seen as excusing or trivializing violence, particularly against women. It can also imply a 'continental' or 'French' sensibility.
Frequency
Rare in everyday conversation. Appears primarily in news articles about notable cases, in legal discussions, or in cultural/literary analysis.
Grammar
How to Use “crime passionnel” in a Sentence
The [defendant/accused] was charged with a ~.The case was described as a classic ~.The lawyer argued it was a ~, not premeditated murder.Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in law, criminology, sociology, or media studies to discuss specific types of homicide, legal defences, or cultural narratives around crime.
Everyday
Very rare. If used, it's likely in discussing a news story.
Technical
Used in legal contexts, though the English equivalent 'heat of passion' is more standard in court. Used in journalism as a specific label.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “crime passionnel”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “crime passionnel”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “crime passionnel”
- Misspelling as 'crime passionel' (missing one 'n').
- Mispronouncing 'passionnel' with a strong English 'passion' /ˈpæʃ.ən/; the French ending /sjɒˈnɛl/ is key.
- Using it to refer to any emotionally motivated crime, rather than specifically those involving sudden, overwhelming passion (like discovering infidelity).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a loan phrase from French used in English, primarily in formal, journalistic, or legal contexts. It is not fully assimilated and is often italicised in writing.
No. It is not a full defence leading to acquittal. In jurisdictions that recognise the concept, it typically serves to reduce the charge from murder to manslaughter, acknowledging the lack of premeditation.
Yes, though historically and in media portrayals, it is more often associated with male perpetrators. The legal concept applies regardless of gender.
They are synonyms. 'Crime passionnel' is the French-derived term, often used for stylistic or precise effect. 'Crime of passion' is the more common English equivalent.
A crime, typically murder, committed in a moment of intense emotional disturbance, such as sudden anger or jealousy.
Crime passionnel is usually formal / journalistic / legal in register.
Crime passionnel: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkriːm ˌpæ.sjɒˈnɛl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkriːm ˌpæ.sjəˈnɛl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A classic crime passionnel”
- “To plead crime passionnel”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a passionate (passionnel) French lover in a dramatic film committing a crime (crime) in a jealous rage. The alliteration of 'p' in 'passionnel' and the French sound help recall the term.
Conceptual Metaphor
LOVE/SEX IS A FORCE OF NATURE (that can erupt into violence). PASSION IS A TEMPORARY INSANITY.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'crime passionnel' LEAST likely to be used appropriately?