action /ˈæk.ʃ ə n/ noun LEGAL PROCESS 9. [ C or U ] a legal process that is decided in a court of law
a libel action She brought an action ( for negligence) against the hospital. A criminal action was brought against him. The book was halted in South Africa by a threat of legal action. arson /ˈɑː.s ə n/ /ˈɑːr-/ noun [ U ]
the crime of intentionally starting a fire in order to damage or destroy something, especially a building
A cinema was burnt out in north London last night. Police suspect arson. authority /ɔːˈθɒr.ɪ.ti/ /əˈθɔːr.ɪ.t ̬i/ noun POWER 1. [ U ] the moral or legal right or ability to control
The United Nations has used/exerted/exercised its authority to restore peace in the area. We need to get the support of someone in authority (= an important or high-ranking person) . They've been acting illegally and without authority (= permission) from the council. [ + to infinitive ] I'll give my lawyers authority (= permission) to act on my behalf. He's got no authority over (= ability to control) his students. She spoke with authority (= as if she was in control or had special knowledge) . 2. [ C ] a group of people with official responsibility for a particular area of activity
the health authority the local housing authority 3. the authorities the group of people with official legal power to act or enforce the rules in a particular area, such as the police or a local government department
I'm going to report these holes in the road to the authorities. burglary /ˈbɜː.gl ə r.i/ /ˈbɝː.glɚ-/ noun [ C or U ]
the crime of illegally entering a building and stealing things
consequence /ˈkɒn t .sɪ.kwən t s/ /ˈkɑːn t -/ noun [ C ]
1. a result of a particular action or situation, often one which is bad or not convenient
Not making a will can have serious consequences for the people you might wish to benefit. Scientists think it unlikely that any species will actually become extinct as a consequence of the oil spill. I told the hairdresser to do what she wanted to my hair, and look at the consequences! Well, if you insist on eating so much, you'll have to suffer/take (= accept and deal with) the consequences! 2. of little/no consequence ( also not of any/much consequence )
not important
The money was of little consequence to Tony. convict /ˈkɒn.vɪkt/ /ˈkɑːn-/ noun [ C ]
someone who is in prison because they are guilty of a crime
an escaped convict crime /kraɪm/ noun 1. [ U ] illegal activities
a life of crime rising crime crime prevention