Juvenile Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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juvenile
[ˈdʒuːvənəl ]
Definitions
Context #1 | Adjective
criminal law
Relating to a young person who is not yet legally an adult.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- He was charged with juvenile delinquency for the vandalism.
- The juvenile offender was sentenced to community service.
Context #2 | Noun
biology
An animal that is not fully grown or developed.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The zoo had a special section for juvenile animals.
- The researchers studied the behavior of juvenile birds.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Law and Society
- In legal terms, 'juvenile' often refers to individuals under a certain age who are not considered adults, typically under 18.
- Juvenile justice systems exist to address crimes committed by young individuals, focusing more on rehabilitation than punishment.
- Some places have age limits, defining juvenile offenders to help protect them as they transition to adulthood.
Psychology
- Developmental psychology studies how young people grow and learn, emphasizing the importance of formative years.
- Juvenile behaviors can indicate normal stages of development, but also highlight challenges such as peer pressure.
- According to research, childhood experiences significantly shape personality and behavior in adulthood.
Pop Culture
- Many youth-oriented movies and books feature juvenile protagonists, exploring themes of growth and discovery.
- Juvenile delinquency is a common theme in literature and film, highlighting societal issues affecting young people.
- Comics and animated shows often portray juvenile characters as adventurous and learning about their identity.
Biology
- In biology, 'juvenile' can describe a stage in the life cycle of an organism, such as fish or insects, before they reach maturity.
- Some species exhibit unique juvenile characteristics, like different colors or behaviors compared to adults.
- Understanding the juvenile stages of animals helps scientists in conservation and breeding programs.
Origin of 'juvenile'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'juvenilis', which means 'youthful'.
- It has been used in English since the Middle Ages to describe young animals and people.
- Originally, it referred specifically to young men before later broadening to include young women and children.
The word 'juvenile' originated from the Latin word 'juvenilis', meaning 'youthful', and has been used in English since the 17th century. It is commonly used to describe young individuals or animals that are not yet fully mature or developed.