juvenile delinquent

noun

1. a minor who cannot be controlled by parental authority and commits antisocial or criminal acts, as vandalism or violence.

2. a child or youth characterized by juvenile delinquency.

juvenile delinquent

noun

1. a child or young person guilty of some offence, act of vandalism, or antisocial behaviour or whose conduct is beyond parental control and who may be brought before a juvenile court

Word History and Origins

Origin of juvenile delinquent¹

First recorded in 1810–20

Example Sentences

During Easter week, the pope chose to perform the traditional washing of others’ feet in a facility for juvenile delinquents.

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He became a juvenile delinquent, arrested and jailed at 17 for car theft.

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The agency also stepped up policing in entertainment districts and measures against juvenile delinquents and motorcycle gangs.

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It’s up to them to tell us if the former president scowled and guffawed like a fearless strongman or fell asleep in his chair like a disaffected juvenile delinquent.

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"I've gotten close to Bobby and his sister. I've seen him turn from basically a juvenile delinquent into a very thoughtful, caring adult. He grew up."

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Related Words

• delinquent 
• gangster 
• hoodlum 
• hooligan 
• troublemaker