juvenile delinquency

American  

noun

1. behavior of a child or youth that is so marked by violation of law, persistent mischievousness, antisocial behavior, disobedience, or intractability as to thwart correction by parents and to constitute a matter for action by the juvenile courts.

---

juvenile delinquency British  

noun

1. antisocial or criminal conduct by juvenile delinquents

---

Etymology

Origin of juvenile delinquency

First recorded in 1810–20

Example Sentences

Juvenile delinquency was probably created by poverty more than by comic books.

From The Guardian • Nov. 9, 2016

Juvenile delinquency, historically always low, has increased 80% since 1972.

From Time Magazine Archive

Juvenile delinquency last year climbed 9% in the asphalt jungles across the U.S., but Cincinnati's rate actually decreased by 1.4%.

From Time Magazine Archive

Juvenile delinquency rose 10% last year in New York and Chicago, was up to 100% in war-boom towns.

From Time Magazine Archive

Juvenile delinquency in all its forms is frequently associated with homes where the marriage is broken either by a divorce, separation, or discord.

From Report of the Special Committee on Moral Delinquency in Children and Adolescents by Mazengarb, O. C. (Oswald Chettle)