delinquent

views updated May 21 2018

de·lin·quent / diˈlingkwənt/ • adj. (typically of a young person or that person's behavior) showing or characterized by a tendency to commit crime, particularly minor crime: delinquent children. ∎  in arrears: delinquent accounts. ∎ formal failing in one's duty.• n. a delinquent person: young delinquents.DERIVATIVES: de·lin·quent·ly adv.

The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English

delinquent

views updated May 29 2018

delinquent XVII. — L. dēlinquēns, -ent-, pp. of dēlinquere be at fault, offend, f. DE- 3 + linquere leave; see -ENT.

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology T. F. HOAD

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