war crime

noun

1. Usually war crimes. crimes committed against an enemy, prisoners of war, or subjects in wartime that violate international agreements or, as in the case of genocide, are offenses against humanity.

war crime

noun

1. a crime committed in wartime in violation of the accepted rules and customs of war, such as genocide, ill-treatment of prisoners of war, etc

Derived Forms

• war criminal, noun

Other Words From

• war criminal noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of war crime¹

First recorded in 1940–45

Example Sentences

And in February 2024 a report published by an independent UN commission said the October 2023 attacks on electricity infrastructure could amount to war crimes because they deprived civilians of access to water.

From BBC

Both the army and the RSF have been accused of human rights violations that could amount to war crimes.

From BBC

A report by Human Rights Watch this week said Israel had committed war crimes and crimes against humanity by deliberately causing the mass displacement of Palestinians in Gaza.

From BBC

Israel has committed war crimes and crimes against humanity by deliberately causing the mass displacement of Palestinians in Gaza, a report by Human Rights Watch says.

From BBC

Both parties have been accused of committing war crimes, with the ongoing fighting leaving thousands dead and millions displaced.

From BBC