Spanish word

delincuente

Pronunciation

IPA/deliŋˈkwente/

Meaning

  • noun (m./f.)criminal

Example

El delincuente fue arrestado anoche.

The criminal was arrested last night.

Illustration for delincuente (criminal)

More examples

El delincuente escapó pero fue capturado al día siguiente.

The criminal escaped but was captured the next day.

Core concept

Person committing an illegal act.

Common phrases

  • delincuente en fuga

    fugitive criminal

  • captura del delincuente

    capture of the criminal

  • delincuente reincidente

    recidivist offender

Similar words

criminal: Person who commits illegal acts in general, regarded as an offender under the law.
ladrón: Person who takes others' property without permission.
maleante: Person who uses violence or threats to commit crimes.
bandido: Person who attacks others with weapons, typically in armed robberies.

Definition in Spanish

Persona que comete delitos o participa en actos contrarios a la ley.

Word origin

From Latin delinquere 'to fail or transgress' (de- 'away' + linquere 'leave'), via late Latin delinquentem into Spanish delincuente meaning someone who breaks the law.

Usage tips

  • In journalism and formal speech Spanish often uses presunto delincuente ('alleged criminal') to avoid asserting guilt before a conviction.

Other meanings

  • perpetratornoun
  • wrongdoernoun
  • lawbreakernoun

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word