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Etymology 1[edit]

From crook, equivalent to crook +‎ -ed.




  1. simple past tense and past participle of crook

Etymology 2[edit]



  • Adjective: enPR: kro͝ok'ĭd, IPA(key): /ˈkɹʊkɪd/
  • (file)
    pronunciation refers to adjective form.


crooked (comparative more crooked, superlative most crooked)

  2. Set at an angle; not vertical or square.
  3. (figuratively) Dishonest or illegal; corrupt.
    • 2004, Peter Bondanella, Hollywood Italians: Dagos, Palookas, Romeos, Wise Guys, and Sopranos, chapter 4, 173–174:
      During the height of Italian immigration in the United States and in New York City, gangs flourished not only because of poverty but also because of political and social corruption. Policemen and politicians were often as crooked as the gang leaders themselves.