crime against humanity
noun (plural crimes against humanity)
A deliberate act, typically as part of a systematic campaign, that causes human suffering or death on a large scale: he was handed over to the International Criminal Court in The Hague to face charges of crimes against humanity...
- He must stand trial for his crimes against humanity.
- The first trial has focused on the forced evacuation of people into rural labour camps and the related charges of crimes against humanity.
- People slate her as if she has committed a crime against humanity, it's embarrassing.
Origin
Late 17th century: originally in the sense 'immoral or destructive act'.