Crook
/krʊk/
Definitions
3 meaningsA person who is dishonest or criminal.
/krʊk/
A dishonest person; a criminal.
The detective was determined to bring the crooks to justice.
💡 Simply: A crook is like a bad guy or girl who breaks the rules to get something they want. Imagine someone stealing candy - they're being a crook!
👶 For kids: A crook is someone who does bad things and might break the law.
More Examples
The company was full of crooks who were embezzling money.
He ratted out the crooks to save himself.
How It's Used
"The police are trying to catch the crooks who robbed the bank."
"That politician is a real crook; you can't trust anything he says."
A bend or curve, especially in a stick or staff.
/krʊk/
A curved or bent object.
The shepherd used his crook to gather his flock.
💡 Simply: A crook can also mean something that's bent or curved like a hook. Think about a cane with a curved handle.
👶 For kids: A crook can be a thing that's curved, like a hook on a stick.
More Examples
The bird's leg was bent at a severe crook, likely due to injury.
He used the crook of the cane for support.
How It's Used
"The shepherd used his crook to guide the sheep."
"He clutched the walking stick, the carved crook of its handle cool against his palm."
To bend something, especially a finger or arm.
/krʊk/
To bend or curve.
He crooked his arm to catch the ball.
💡 Simply: To crook means to bend or curve something. Like, if you're holding a little baby, you might crook your arm to make it more comfortable.
👶 For kids: To crook means to bend something.
More Examples
She crooked her finger to get the waiter's attention.
The old tree's branches had been crooked by the wind.
How It's Used
"He crooks his finger to beckon someone."
"She crooked her nose at the smell."
Idioms & expressions
off the hook
To be free from blame, punishment, or obligation.
"After the investigation, he was let off the hook."
From Middle English *crok*, from Old English *crōc* ('hook, bend, curve'). Related to Dutch *kroek* and German *Krocke*.
Used in various contexts since the Old English period, originally referring to a hook or bend, and later extending to mean a dishonest person.
Memory tip
Think of a shepherd's crook - it's a curved tool used to lead sheep. A *crook* can be seen as someone who leads people astray in a dishonest way.
Word Origin
"hook, bend, curve"