Explanation of "Juvenile Delinquency"
Definition:
"Juvenile delinquency" is a noun that refers to illegal or antisocial behavior committed by a young person, usually someone under the age of 18. This can include actions like stealing, vandalism, or other crimes that are against the law.
Usage Instructions
Context: Use "juvenile delinquency" when discussing issues related to young people and crime, law enforcement, or social problems.
Structure: Typically used in discussions about crime prevention, legal consequences, and societal impacts.
Example Sentence
Advanced Usage
In a more academic context, you might hear discussions about the causes of juvenile delinquency, such as family background, peer influence, or socioeconomic factors.
Word Variants
Juvenile (adjective): Referring to young people; e.g., "juvenile court" (a court that handles cases involving minors).
Delinquent (noun/adjective): A person, especially a young one, who commits a crime; e.g., "He is a delinquent who was caught shoplifting."
Different Meanings
While "juvenile delinquency" specifically refers to illegal acts by minors, the individual words can have broader meanings: - Juvenile: Can refer to anything that is youthful or immature. - Delinquency: Can also refer to failing to fulfill a duty, such as "financial delinquency," which means failing to pay debts.
Synonyms
Youth crime
Minor offenses
Adolescent crime
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs
There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs directly related to "juvenile delinquency," but here are some phrases that might be relevant in discussions about youth and crime:
Summary
"Juvenile delinquency" is an important term that describes illegal actions taken by young people.