criminal conversation

noun

, Civil Law.

1. adultery. : crim. con.

criminal conversation

noun

1. (formerly) a common law action brought by a husband by which he claimed damages against an adulterer
2. another term for adultery

Word History and Origins

Origin of criminal conversation¹

First recorded in 1760–70

Example Sentences

Police have analysed more than 115 million "criminal conversations", Europol said, helping prevent "violent attacks, attempted murders, corruption and large scale drugs transports."

From Reuters

Johns sued under what are called the claims of alienation of affection and of criminal conversation, which is also known as adultery.

From Washington Times

Johns is suing under what are called the claims of alienation of affection and of criminal conversation, which is also known as adultery.

From Washington Times

North Carolina is one of about a half-dozen states that allow lawsuits accusing a cheating spouse’s lover of alienation of affection and criminal conversation.

From Seattle Times

North Carolina is one of only about a half-dozen states that still allow lawsuits accusing a cheating spouse’s lover of alienation of affection and criminal conversation.

From Washington Times