ecocrime

[/ˌiːkoʊˈkraɪm/]
nounpl: ecocrimes
ecocrime
1. A crime against the environment; an illegal act that causes significant harm to ecosystems, wildlife, or natural resources
Illegal logging in the Amazon rainforest is considered a serious ecocrime.
O desmatamento ilegal na Floresta Amazônica é considerado um ecocrime grave.
2. Environmental crime prosecuted under national or international law, often involving pollution, poaching, or illegal dumping
The company was charged with ecocrime for dumping toxic waste into the river.
A empresa foi acusada de ecocrime por despejar resíduos tóxicos no rio.
The term 'ecocrime' reflects growing international concern about environmental crimes, particularly relevant in Brazil due to Amazon deforestation issues and illegal wildlife trafficking. In Portuguese-speaking regions, the term competes with the more traditional 'crime ambiental,' though ecocrime is gaining acceptance in legal and NGO contexts. The word represents a shift toward treating environmental destruction as criminal behavior rather than merely regulatory violations.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
environmental crimeecological crimeenvironmental offensegreen crime
Antonyms / Antônimos
environmental protectionconservationsustainability

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
ecocrime
Commonly used in legal and environmental discourse; increasingly recognized in Portuguese
São Paulo
crime ambiental
More traditional Portuguese translation, preferred in formal environmental law contexts
Portugal
crime ambiental or ecocrime
Both forms used; ecocrime gaining ground in modern environmental legislation
United States
ecocrime
Increasingly used by environmental agencies and NGOs; part of growing environmental justice vocabulary

Related Words

ecocriminalenvironmental lawwildlife traffickingillegal dumpingdeforestationpollution

Related Idioms & Phrases

ecocrime suspect
prosecute an ecocrime
ecocrime investigation
ecocrime enforcement
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