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Criminologist: meaning, definitions and examples

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criminologist

 

[ ˌkrɪm.ɪˈnɒl.ədʒ.ɪst ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

academic field

A criminologist is a professional who studies crime, criminal behavior, and the criminal justice system. They analyze various factors that contribute to criminal activity, including social, economic, and psychological aspects. Criminologists often work in academic, policy-making, or practical settings to develop strategies for crime prevention and rehabilitation.

Synonyms

crime analyst, forensic psychologist, law enforcement researcher

Examples of usage

  • The criminologist conducted a study on juvenile delinquency.
  • Many criminologists advocate for criminal justice reform.
  • A criminologist may work with law enforcement to understand crime patterns.

Etymology

The term 'criminologist' is derived from the word 'crime,' which comes from the Latin 'crimen,' meaning offense or accusation. The suffix '-logist' indicates a person who studies or has a particular knowledge of a field, originating from the Greek 'logia,' meaning 'study of.' The profession of criminology began to take shape in the late 19th century when scholars such as Cesare Lombroso introduced scientific methods to study criminal behavior. Over the years, criminology has expanded to encompass various subfields, including sociology, psychology, and law, leading to the emergence of the criminologist as a specialized expert on issues related to crime and justice.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #34,460 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.