war crime

noun

: a crime (such as genocide or maltreatment of prisoners) committed during or in connection with war

—usually used in plural

war criminal noun

Examples of war crime in a Sentence

He was found guilty of torture and other war crimes.

Recent Examples on the Web

Kyiv also seeks reparations, accountability for Russian war crimes, and guarantees of its sovereignty before considering peace negotiations. —Gord Magill, Newsweek, 21 Dec. 2024

Starving Gazan civilians and denying them medical care is not only a war crime but also a losing strategy for Israel. —Trudy Rubin, Twin Cities, 18 Dec. 2024

Assad, who is accused of war crimes against his own people, fled to Russia and left a highly fractured country behind him. —Natasha Turak, CNBC, 16 Dec. 2024

Among Assad’s worst atrocities was the 2013 sarin gas attack in the city of Ghouta, which killed more than 1,400 people and was labeled a war crime by the then-UN secretary general. —Rob Picheta, CNN, 9 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1906, in the meaning defined above

Legal Definition

war crime

noun

: an act committed usually during an international war for which individual criminal liability will be imposed by a domestic or international tribunal

specifically : a violation of the laws or customs of war as embodied or recognized by international treaty, court decisions, or established practice

—usually used in pl.

Note: Following World War II, the Charter of the International Military Tribunal at Nuremberg first codified war crimes including crimes against humanity. Also encompassed in the legal concept of war crimes is the crime of planning or waging a war of aggression or a war in violation of international treaties.