delinquency
11
6.2
- noun
- /dɪˈlɪŋkwənsi/
- Is there a disparity between male and female students regarding juvenile delinquency in Botswana secondary schools?
- juvenile delinquency
- delinquency problem
- adolescent delinquency
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Watch on YouTubeSo violence, delinquency, pervert, sexual perversions.
- So violence, delinquency, pervert, sexual perversions.
Examples
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One way of educating the U.S. public about juvenile delinquency is through college-level psychology or sociology classes.
Academic text (1996) -
I find you guilty of rampant juvenile delinquency and I hereby sentence you to the Maryland Training School for Boys until your 21st birthday.
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We had the lowest juvenile delinquency rate in the country until two months ago.
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Spare us some change to prevent teenage delinquency?
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The prevention of juvenile delinquency is considered an essential part of crime prevention.
Academic text (2013) -
Persons who report nonmedical prescription drug use are more likely to report delinquency, crime, and arrest.
Academic text (2008) -
Communities are taking action to reduce juvenile delinquency through after-school programs.
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Many experts believe that early intervention can help prevent youth delinquency and promote positive behavior.
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Educators are concerned about the rise in juvenile delinquency in urban areas over the past few years.
Synonyms
∞
1.4
An act that breaks the law and can be punished
351
3.3
An act that breaks a law or rule
133
6.0
A small crime that is less serious than a major crime
47
7.2
A small break of a rule or law often punished with a fine
16
5.0
Behavior that disturbs people in public and may be illegal
4
4.9
Behavior by young people that breaks the law
An act that harms someone or property and is against the law
Antonyms
Compounds
How Serious
- Specialized
310
5.5
- US
14
3.5
11
6.2
- Formal
3
6.9
34
2.7
Surface Forms
Morphology
delinquency = delinquent (semi-transparent) = delinquent + y
The connection to 'delinquent' is clear, but the specific legal/juvenile sense 'minor crime or antisocial act' is a specialized extension learners may not derive automatically.
Etymology
Delinquency comes from Latin parts de- ('away from') and linquere ('to leave'). So youth delinquency can be thought of as 'leaving' the right path or rules, which is why it means minor crimes or bad behaviour.