delinquent
UK[dɪˈlɪŋkwənt]US[dɪˈlɪŋkwənt]
adj
(typically of a young person) tending to commit crime, particularly minor crime.
n
a person, typically a young person, who tends to commit crime, especially minor crime.
Morpheme Breakdown
de
linqu
ent
de
away
linqu
leave
ent
adjective suffix
Etymology
The word 'delinquent' originates from the Latin verb 'delinquere', meaning "to fail, to be lacking, to offend." This verb is itself a compound of the prefix 'de-' (meaning "away") and 'linquere' (meaning "to leave"). The literal sense is "to leave something (a duty, an obligation) behind or undone." This core meaning of neglect or failure evolved specifically into the failure to fulfill a legal or social duty, eventually narrowing to its modern sense of committing offenses, especially by the young. The suffix '-ent' forms an adjective describing someone characterized by this failing or leaving.
Analysis
Structure: de (away) + linqu (leave) + ent (adjective suffix)
- de: A Latin prefix meaning "away, off, completely."
- linqu: A direct substring from the Latin verb 'linquere', meaning "to leave."
- ent: A Latin-derived suffix forming adjectives (and nouns) meaning "one who does" or "characterized by."
Examples
The judge ordered the delinquent teenager to perform community service.
He was charged with delinquent behavior for repeatedly skipping school.
The city implemented new programs to help at-risk youth avoid becoming delinquents.