/prɪˈlɪməˌnɛri kraɪm/ – Phrase
Definition: xch inchoate crime.
A more thorough explanation: A preliminary crime refers to a criminal act that is committed as a preparatory step towards the commission of a more serious offense. It may involve actions such as planning, conspiring, or attempting to commit a crime, but falls short of completing the intended criminal act.
Example: The suspect was charged with conspiracy to commit murder as a preliminary crime before the actual murder took place.