juvenile delinquent

American  

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.

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juvenile delinquent British  

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

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Etymology

Origin of juvenile delinquent

First recorded in 1810–20

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

juvenile delinquent

Unity, to make a long story longer, was in the air that year — and not just because my separated parents were bonding over their juvenile delinquent son.

From Salon ● Jul. 3, 2026

"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."

From BBC ● Mar. 20, 2023

In my first film, I played a juvenile delinquent — Barbara Hanley.

From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 22, 2022

The movie’s story about a rampaging gang resembles the moralistic juvenile delinquent melodramas of the previous decade; but Corman adopts a less judgmental tone.

From New York Times ● Aug. 17, 2019

I can’t get past the feeling that this is just some juvenile delinquent trying to freak everybody out.

From "Linked" by Gordon Korman

Related Words

• delinquent
• gangster
• hoodlum
• hooligan
• troublemaker