juvenile delinquency

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

noun

1. antisocial or criminal conduct by juvenile delinquents

Word History and Origins

Origin of juvenile delinquency¹

First recorded in 1810–20