Lawbreakings

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. Engagement in acts that violate established legal statutes or regulations
2. The occurrence of behaviors that are contrary to the laws set by governing authorities
3. Instances of misconduct or illegal actions that contravene legal norms and principles

Etymology: "Lawbreakings" is the plural of "lawbreaking", a noun formed by joining "law" and "breaking", the gerund of "break". Both parts are old English words: "law" comes from Old English "lagu", and "break" from Old English "brecan", so the compound is a plain combination of native elements rather than a borrowing. Its plural form counts separate instances of the act, as in a catalogue of individual offences.

Synonyms: offenses, crimes, violations, transgressions, misdeeds

Antonyms: lawfulness, compliance, obedience, legality, conformity