Online English Vocabulary Flashcards for Criminal Justice and Penalties Words

accomplice (noun) /əˈkʌmplɪs/
Definition: A person who helps someone else commit a crime, wrongdoing, or other illicit activity.
Example Sentence: "The criminal was charged as an accomplice in the robbery."
Synonyms: abettor; ally; associate; collaborator; colleague; companion
Opposite Meaning: adversary

acquittal (noun) /əˈkwɪt l/
Definition: The legal verdict of a defendant being found not guilty or cleared of charges in a criminal trial.
Example Sentence: "After months of trial, the jury finally reached a unanimous decision of acquittal, declaring the defendant innocent."
Synonyms: absolution; amnesty; clearance; deliverance; discharge; exoneration
Opposite Meaning: conviction

adjudicator (noun) /əˈdʒuːdɪˌkeɪtə/
Definition: A person who is responsible for making judgments, decisions, or rulings in a formal or official capacity.
Example Sentence: "The adjudicator carefully reviewed the evidence before making a ruling."
Synonyms: appraiser; arbiter; assessor; evaluator; examiner; judge
Opposite Meaning: participant

alibi (noun) /ˈalɪbʌɪ/
Definition: A defense in criminal law that asserts that the defendant was in a different location or engaged in a different activity at the time the crime was committed.
Example Sentence: "The suspect's alibi was confirmed by multiple witnesses."
Synonyms: excuse; explanation; extenuation; justification; plea; pretext
Opposite Meaning: accusation

apprehend (verb) /aprɪˈhɛnd/
Definition: To arrest or capture a suspect who is believed to have committed a crime.
Example Sentence: "The detective is determined to apprehend the mastermind behind the crime spree."
Synonyms: catch; collar; detain; grab; grasp; nab
Opposite Meaning: release

arraign (verb) /əˈreɪn/
Definition: To bring an individual before a court of law to formally read the charges against them and to have them enter a plea, typically "guilty" or "not guilty."
Example Sentence: "The court will arraign the suspect next week on charges of theft."
Synonyms: accuse; blame; criminate; impeach; impugn; inculpate
Opposite Meaning: absolve

arson (noun) /ˈɑːsn/
Definition: The criminal act of deliberately and maliciously setting fire to a building, structure, or property, often with the intent to cause damage, destruction, or harm.
Example Sentence: "The arson attack on the historic building was a devastating loss for the community."
Synonyms: blaze; burning; combustion; fire; firebug; firestarter
Opposite Meaning: firefighting

attest (verb) /əˈtɛst/
Definition: To provide evidence or testimony to confirm the truth or accuracy of something.
Example Sentence: "The inspection report will attest to the safety of the building."
Synonyms: affirm; argue; assert; avouch; certify; confirm
Opposite Meaning: deny

comeuppance (noun) /kʌmˈʌp(ə)ns/
Definition: The deserved consequences or punishment that someone receives for their actions, especially when those actions are considered wrong or immoral.
Example Sentence: "The thief got his comeuppance when he was caught and sent to jail."
Synonyms: deserts; dues; penalty; recompense; reprisal; requital
Opposite Meaning: reward

contraband (noun) /ˈkɒntrəband/
Definition: Goods or items that are prohibited by law from being imported, exported, sold, or possessed.
Example Sentence: "The customs officials discovered a large amount of contraband in the shipment."
Synonyms: banned; bootleg; embargoed; forbidden; illegal; illicit
Opposite Meaning: legal goods

culprit (noun) /ˈkʌlprɪt/
Definition: A person or thing that is responsible for committing a crime, error, or wrongdoing.
Example Sentence: "The police are still searching for the culprit of the robbery."
Synonyms: criminal; crook; felon; lawbreaker; malefactor; miscreant
Opposite Meaning: innocent

debar (verb) /dɪˈbɑr/
Definition: To exclude or prevent someone from entering or participating in a particular activity or place.
Example Sentence: "The committee voted to debar the contractor due to their history of poor performance."
Synonyms: ban; bar; blacklist; disqualify; eliminate; forbid
Opposite Meaning: admit

delinquent (adjective) /dɪˈlɪŋkw(ə)nt/
Definition: Failure to conform to accepted norms and standards, especially in the context of the law or social expectations.
Example Sentence: "The school has a program for delinquent students who need extra support."
Synonyms: anarchic; defiant; disobedient; errant; erring; insubordinate
Opposite Meaning: compliant

de-jure (adverb) /deɪ ˈjʊəreɪ/
Definition: Recognized, established, or enforced by law or official regulations.
Example Sentence: "The company was the de jure owner of the property, as indicated by the official documents."
Synonyms: constitutionally; formally; lawfully; legally; legitimately; licitly
Opposite Meaning: de-facto

dragoon (verb) /drəˈɡuːn/
Definition: To force someone to do something through the use of threats, intimidation, or coercion.
Example Sentence: "He tried to dragoon his employees into working overtime by threatening their jobs."
Synonyms: browbeat; bully; coerce; compel; constrain; drive
Opposite Meaning: persuade

embezzle (verb) /ɪmˈbɛzl/
Definition: To misappropriate or steal money or assets that have been entrusted to one's care.
Example Sentence: "The accountant was caught trying to embezzle company funds."
Synonyms: commandeer; misapply; misappropriate; peculate; pilfer; pocket
Opposite Meaning: return

espionage (noun) espionage/ˈɛspɪənɑː(d)ʒ/
Definition: The practice of gathering, collecting or obtaining information through secret or illegal means, typically for military, political, or economic advantage.
Example Sentence: "The spy was caught and charged with espionage."
Synonyms: clandestine; counterintelligence; covert; infiltration; intelligence; operations
Opposite Meaning: transparency

exculpate (verb) /ˈɛkskʌlpeɪt/
Definition: To clear someone from blame or to prove someone's innocence.
Example Sentence: "Video evidence was used to exculpate him of the accusation."
Synonyms: absolve; acquit; discharge; dismiss; excuse; exonerate
Opposite Meaning: blame

expulsion (noun) /ɪkˈspʌlʃn/
Definition: The act of forcing someone or something out of a particular place, organization, or situation.
Example Sentence: "Athletes face expulsion for using banned substances."
Synonyms: banishment; dismissal; ejection; elimination; eviction; exclusion
Opposite Meaning: admission

extortion (noun) /ɪkˈstɔːʃ(ə)n/
Definition: The act of obtaining something, often money or property, from someone else through coercion or the threat of harm.
Example Sentence: "The police officer was fired for extortion after accepting bribes from criminals."
Synonyms: blackmail; bullying; cheating; coercion; compulsion; defrauding
Opposite Meaning: donation

extradite (verb) /ˈɛkstrədʌɪt/
Definition: To return a person who is accused or convicted of a crime to the jurisdiction where the crime was committed.
Example Sentence: "The government agreed to extradite the criminal to face trial in another country."
Synonyms: banish; deliver; deport; exile; expatriate; expel
Opposite Meaning: retain

forfeit (verb) /ˈfɔːfɪt/
Definition: To give up something, such as property, rights, or privileges, as a penalty for breaking a rule or law.
Example Sentence: "The team had to forfeit the game due to lack of players."
Synonyms: abandon; cede; forsake; release; relinquish; renounce
Opposite Meaning: retain

gallows (noun) /ˈɡaləʊz/
Definition: A wooden structure used for the execution of criminals by hanging.
Example Sentence: "The gallows were set up in the town square as a warning to others."
Synonyms: crossbeam; execution; frame; gibbet; halters; hanging
Opposite Meaning: freedom

genocide (noun) /ˈdʒɛnəsʌɪd/
Definition: The intentional and systematic destruction of a racial, ethnic, religious, or national group.
Example Sentence: "The genocide resulted in the deaths of millions of innocent people."
Synonyms: annihilation; cleansing; decimation; elimination; eradication; ethnic
Opposite Meaning: protection

guillotine (noun) /ˈɡɪlətiːn/
Definition: A machine designed for carrying out capital punishment by decapitation.
Example Sentence: "The sound of the guillotine blade dropping was chilling to hear."
Synonyms: axe; blade; cleaver; clipper; cutter; decapitator
Opposite Meaning: pardon

heist (noun) /hʌɪst/
Definition: A planned and executed theft of a large amount of money or valuable items, usually involving the use of force or deception.
Example Sentence: "The bank robbers pulled off a daring heist."
Synonyms: burglary; embezzlement; grab; holdup; looting; plundering
Opposite Meaning: restitution

illicit (adjective) /ɪˈlɪsɪt/
Definition: Pertaining to actions, behaviors, or activities that are prohibited, forbidden, or considered unlawful by established laws, regulations, or ethical standards.
Example Sentence: "The police uncovered an illicit drug operation in the city."
Synonyms: banned; clandestine; contraband; criminal; felonious; forbidden
Opposite Meaning: legal

impound (verb) /ɪmˈpaʊnd/
Definition: To confiscate or seize something, typically by a government or legal authority.
Example Sentence: "The bank can impound your assets if you default on a loan."
Synonyms: apprehend; capture; commandeer; constrain; immure; imprison
Opposite Meaning: return

impunity (noun) /ɪmˈpjuːnɪti/
Definition: Exemption from punishment or freedom from harm, or retribution.
Example Sentence: "In exchange for his testimony, the accomplice received impunity from prosecution."
Synonyms: absolution; defense; dispensation; immunity; license; protection
Opposite Meaning: accountability

indict (verb) /ɪnˈdʌɪt/
Definition: To formally accuse someone of committing a crime or wrongdoing through a legal process, typically initiated by a grand jury or a prosecutor.
Example Sentence: "The evidence was strong enough to indict the suspect for the crime."
Synonyms: accuse; arraign; charge; impeach; incriminate; inculpate
Opposite Meaning: acquit

informant (noun) /ɪnˈfɔːm(ə)nt/
Definition: A person who provides information to law enforcement or other authorities about criminal or illegal activities.
Example Sentence: "The informant's identity was kept confidential for their safety."
Synonyms: infiltrator; insider; mole; plant; rat; snitch
Opposite Meaning: concealer

inquisition (noun) /ɪnkwɪˈzɪʃ(ə)n/
Definition: A formal investigation, usually by the government or church, aimed at uncovering and punishing individuals suspected of crimes such as heresy, blasphemy, or treason.
Example Sentence: "Many people were accused of heresy during the inquisition."
Synonyms: grilling; hearing; inquest; inquiry; probe; questioning
Opposite Meaning: approval

interrogate (verb) /ɪnˈtɛrəɡeɪt/
Definition: To question or examine someone formally, typically in a police or legal setting.
Example Sentence: "The police are going to interrogate the man caught on the CCTV footage."
Synonyms: catechize; debate; examine; grill; heed; inquire
Opposite Meaning: answer

jurisdiction (noun) /ˌdʒʊərɪsˈdɪkʃn/
Definition: The official power of a court or government agency to interpret and enforce the law within a particular geographic area or over a specific group of people.
Example Sentence: "The Department of Justice has jurisdiction over cases involving federal law enforcement."
Synonyms: authority; command; control; discretion; dominion; influence
Opposite Meaning: powerlessness

larceny (noun) /ˈlɑrsəni/
Definition: The act of unlawfully taking someone else's personal property with the intent to permanently deprive the rightful owner of its possession.
Example Sentence: "The suspect was charged with larceny after stealing a wallet from the store."
Synonyms: burglary; embezzlement; pilfering; purloining; robbery; stealing
Opposite Meaning: return

legitimate (adjective) /lɪˈdʒɪtɪmət/
Definition: Lawful, valid, and in accordance with accepted rules, regulations, or standards.
Example Sentence: "The court ruled that the evidence was legitimate and admissible."
Synonyms: authentic; authorized; kosher; real; reasonable; reliable
Opposite Meaning: unlawful

lynch (verb) /lɪnʧ/
Definition: To kill someone, typically by hanging without a legal trial, often done by a mob.
Example Sentence: "The group of vigilantes were determined to lynch the alleged thief."
Synonyms: assassinate; dispatch; eliminate; execute; exterminate; hang
Opposite Meaning: absolve

mandate (noun) /ˈmandeɪt/
Definition: An official instruction or command issued by a governing authority, such as a government or a court, to carry out a specific action or policy.
Example Sentence: "The president's mandate to increase funding for education was met with support."
Synonyms: authorization; bidding; canon; charge; commission; decree
Opposite Meaning: request

maraud (verb) /məˈrɔːd/
Definition: To rove or wander about in search of plunder, loot, or valuables, typically with an aggressive or predatory intent.
Example Sentence: "The thieves would maraud through the city, stealing from unsuspecting pedestrians."
Synonyms: despoil; foray; harass; loot; pillage; plunder
Opposite Meaning: defend

mercenary (noun) /ˈməːs(ɪ)n(ə)ri/
Definition: A person who works or fights for hire, especially for a foreign country or government.
Example Sentence: "The mercenary fought for the highest bidder, caring little for the cause."
Synonyms: adventurer; commando; condottiere; contractor; freebooter; freelancer
Opposite Meaning: volunteer

misdemeanor (noun) /ˌmɪs dɪˈmi nər/
Definition: A type of criminal offense that is considered less serious than a felony but still constitutes a violation of the law.
Example Sentence: "The police officer issued a citation for the misdemeanor of public intoxication."
Synonyms: breach; fault; infraction; infringement; lapse; misconduct
Opposite Meaning: felony

offender (noun) /əˈfɛn dər/
Definition: A person who has committed a crime, violated a law, or engaged in behavior that is deemed unacceptable or harmful within a legal or social framework.
Example Sentence: "The offender was sentenced to three years in prison for the robbery."
Synonyms: convict; criminal; culprit; delinquent; felon; lawbreaker
Opposite Meaning: law-abider

ordinance (noun) /ˈɔːd(ɪ)nəns/
Definition: A type of law or regulation that is passed by a local government, such as a city or a county.
Example Sentence: "The city passed a new ordinance to ban smoking in public places."
Synonyms: canon; command; criterion; decree; dictum; direction
Opposite Meaning: suggestion

parole (noun) /pəˈrəʊl/
Definition: The supervised release of a convicted criminal from prison before the end of their sentence.
Example Sentence: "The prisoner was granted parole after serving five years of a ten-year sentence."
Synonyms: acquittal; amnesty; clemency; discharge; exoneration; freedom
Opposite Meaning: imprisonment

permissible (adjective) /pərˈmɪs ə bəl/
Definition: Allowed, acceptable, or within the bounds of what is considered acceptable or allowed by rules, laws, or regulations.
Example Sentence: "Smoking is not permissible inside the restaurant."
Synonyms: acceptable; admissible; allowable; allowed; authorized; lawful
Opposite Meaning: forbidden

perpetrator (noun) /ˈpəːpətreɪtə/
Definition: An individual or entity responsible for committing a specific act, typically a wrongdoing, crime, offense, or harmful action.
Example Sentence: "The perpetrator of the robbery was finally caught by the police."
Synonyms: assailant; crook; culprit; felon; malefactor; miscreant
Opposite Meaning: victim

pilfer (verb) /ˈpɪl fər/
Definition: To steal or take small items or insignificant amounts of goods, often in a secretive or furtive manner.
Example Sentence: "The raccoons would often pilfer food from our trash cans."
Synonyms: embezzle; filch; lift; pinch; plunder; purloin
Opposite Meaning: return

pillage (noun) /ˈpɪlɪdʒ/
Definition: The act of looting or plundering, particularly during times of war or civil unrest.
Example Sentence: "The robbers were caught and arrested for their role in the pillage of the store."
Synonyms: loot; ransack; plunder; raid; sack; despoil
Opposite Meaning: restore

plaintiff (noun) /ˈpleɪntɪf/
Definition: A person that brings a legal action against another, known as the defendant, in a court of law.
Example Sentence: "The plaintiff's legal team presented a strong argument for negligence."
Synonyms: accuser; appellant; applicant; challenger; claimant; complainant
Opposite Meaning: defendant

probation (noun) /proʊˈbeɪ ʃən/
Definition: A legal status or process through which an individual convicted of a crime is placed under supervision instead of being incarcerated.
Example Sentence: "Dwayne successfully completed his probation period without any violations."
Synonyms: check; control; examination; guardianship; guidance; monitoring
Opposite Meaning: imprisonment

promulgate (verb) /ˈprɒm(ə)lɡeɪt/
Definition: To make a law, rule, or policy widely known and officially announced to the public.
Example Sentence: "The school board voted to promulgate a new dress code policy."
Synonyms: advertise; broadcast; circulate; communicate; declare; notify
Opposite Meaning: conceal

racketeer (noun) /rakɪˈtɪə/
Definition: A person who is involved in illegal or unethical business practices, often as a member of a criminal enterprise.
Example Sentence: "The racketeer was arrested and charged with multiple counts of organized crime."
Synonyms: blackmailer; bootlegger; criminal; extortionist; fraudster; gangster
Opposite Meaning: law-abider

ransom (noun) /ˈrans(ə)m/
Definition: The payment of money or other valuable consideration to secure the release of a person who has been kidnapped or taken hostage.
Example Sentence: "The kidnappers were apprehended while attempting to collect the ransom payment."
Synonyms: bribe; compensation; deliverance; liberation; payoff; price
Opposite Meaning: free

recidivism (noun) /rɪˈsɪdɪvɪzᵊm/
Definition: The tendency of a person who has been previously convicted of a crime to reoffend and return to criminal behavior.
Example Sentence: "The offender's recidivism was attributed to a lack of access to mental health services."
Synonyms: circularity; habituation; recidivation; recommitment; reiteration; relapse
Opposite Meaning: reform

remand (verb) /rɪˈmɑːnd/
Definition: To send a case, a person or an issue back to a lower court or to custody for further consideration, retrial, or investigation.
Example Sentence: "Police may remand you in custody if you fail to comply with the terms of your bail."
Synonyms: commit; confine; consign; custody; detain; hold
Opposite Meaning: release

retribution (noun) /ˌrɛtrɪˈbjuːʃn/
Definition: Punishment or revenge inflicted on someone as a consequence of their wrongdoing or misdeeds.
Example Sentence: "Retribution was the only thing that would bring him peace."
Synonyms: comeback; counterstrike; justice; payback; redress; reprisal
Opposite Meaning: reward

sanction (noun) /ˈsaŋ(k)ʃn/
Definition: A penalty or punishment that is imposed on someone or something for violating a rule or law.
Example Sentence: "The teacher had no choice but to impose a sanction on the disruptive student."
Synonyms: consequence; discipline; fine; penalty; punishment; reprimand
Opposite Meaning: approval

spouse (noun) /spaʊs/
Definition: A person's husband or wife in the context of a legally recognized and typically committed marital relationship.
Example Sentence: "My spouse and I celebrated our 10th wedding anniversary last week."
Synonyms: bride; companion; consort; groom; hubby; husband
Opposite Meaning: stranger

treason (noun) /ˈtriːz(ə)n/
Definition: The crime of betraying one's country or government by acting to aid its enemies or to overthrow its lawful authority.
Example Sentence: "The traitor's actions were viewed as an act of treason by the government."
Synonyms: backstabbing; deceit; deception; disloyalty; duplicity; faithlessness
Opposite Meaning: loyalty

vigilante (noun) /ˌvɪdʒ əˈlæn ti/
Definition: Someone who takes the law into their own hands and acts outside of the established legal system to seek justice.
Example Sentence: "The vigilante disguised himself in a mask and cape to protect his identity."
Synonyms: avenger; crusader; defender; enforcer; guardian; hero
Opposite Meaning: lawman