Delinquent
/dɪˈlɪŋ.kwənt/noun
A person, typically a young one, who commits a crime or engages in behavior that is illegal or improper.
Did you know?The term 'delinquent' can be traced back to Latin roots meaning 'to falter' or 'to fall short', connecting it to the idea of moral failure.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
delinquens
“failing, erring, or committing a fault.”
Old French
Old French
delinquens
“one who commits an offense.”
Middle English
Middle English
delinquent
“characterized by wrongdoing.”
Modern English
English
delinquent
“a term specifically used for offenders, especially youth.”
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