criminology

[ krim-uh-nol-uh-jee ]

noun

1. the study of crime and criminals: a branch of sociology.

criminology

/ ˌkrɪmɪnəˈlɒdʒɪkəl; ˌkrɪmɪˈnɒlədʒɪ /

noun

1. the scientific study of crime, criminal behaviour, law enforcement, etc See also penology

Derived Forms

• ˌcriminoˈlogically, adverb
• criminological, adjective
• ˌcrimiˈnologist, noun

Other Words From

• crim·i·no·log·i·cal [krim-, uh, -nl-, oj, -i-k, uh, l], crimi·no·logic adjective
• crimi·no·logi·cal·ly adverb
• crimi·nolo·gist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of criminology¹

1855–60; < Latin crīmin- (stem of crīmen; crime ) + -o- + -logy

Word History and Origins

Origin of criminology¹

C19: from Latin crimin- crime , -logy

Example Sentences

Professor of criminology Emmeline Taylor, who gave evidence to the inquiry, said the committee recommendations are "far-reaching" and understand the multiple root causes of shop theft.

From BBC

Daniel P. Mears is a professor of criminology and criminal justice at Florida State University.

From Los Angeles Times

It was a “sparkling contribution” to criminology, according to the New York Times, and evidence of “salvation of the self,” as Partisan Review magazine put it.

From Los Angeles Times

Emily got a place to study criminology at Salford University, but a few months in she realised the course wasn’t for her and decided to leave.

From BBC

She lives in Bolton, where she took up boxing aged 15, and has since graduated from Bolton University with a degree in criminology.

From BBC