The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 5 letter word GANGS
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More clues leading to the result GANGS
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "groups of criminals" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case groups of criminals = gangs.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does GANGS mean?
GANGS verb- To go; walk; proceed.
- A number going in company; a number of friends or persons associated for a particular purpose.
- A group of laborers under one foreman; a squad.
- A criminal group with a common cultural background and identifying features, often associated with a particular section of a city.
- A group of criminals or alleged criminals who band together for mutual protection and profit.
- A group of politicians united in furtherance of a political goal.
- A chain gang.
- A combination of similar tools or implements arranged so as, by acting together, to save time or labor; a set.
- A set; all required for an outfit.
- (electrics) A number of switches or other electrical devices wired into one unit and covered by one faceplate.
- (electrics) A group of wires attached as a bundle.
- A going, journey; a course, path, track.
- An outhouse: an outbuilding used as a lavatory.
- To attach similar items together to form a larger unit.
- To participate in a gangbang.
- To beat one or a smaller amount of people as a gang.
- To belong to a gang; to commit criminal acts as part of a gang.
- The earthy waste substances occurring in metallic ore.