Vocabulary

ju·ve·nile

ju·ve·nile

\ˈjü-və-ˌnī(-ə)l, -nəl\

adjective

: unpleasantly childish: relating to or meant for young people: of or relating to young people who havecommitted crimes

Full Definition

1 a : physiologically immature or undeveloped: young
b : derived from sources within the earth andcoming to the surface for the first time - usedespecially of water and gas2 : of, relating to, characteristic of, or suitablefor children or young people <juvenile books>3 : reflecting psychological or intellectualimmaturity : childish

Origin: French or Latin; French juvénile, fromLatin juvenilis, from juvenis young person -more at young.

First use: 1625

Synonyms: adolescent, immature, young,youngish, youthful

Antonyms: adult, grown-up, mature, matured

Synonyms: bairn [chiefly Scottish], bambino,bud, chap [Southern&Midland], chick, cub,child, kid, kiddie (also kiddy), kiddo, moppet,sprat, sprout, squirt, whelp, youngling,youngster, youth

Antonyms: adult, grown-up

2

juvenile

noun

: a young person : a person who is not yet old enough to be legally considered an adult: a young bird or animal

Full Definition

1 a : a young person : youth
b : a book for children or young people2 : a young individual resembling an adult of its kind except in size and reproductiveactivity: as
a : a fledged bird not yet in adult plumage
b : a 2-year-old racehorse3 : an actor or actress who plays youthful parts

Examples

She works to keep juveniles away from drugs.crimes committed by juveniles

First use: 1733

Synonyms: adolescent, immature, young,youngish, youthful

Antonyms: adult, grown-up, mature, matured

Synonyms: bairn [chiefly Scottish], bambino,bud, chap [Southern&Midland], chick, cub,child, kid, kiddie (also kiddy), kiddo, moppet,sprat, sprout, squirt, whelp, youngling,youngster, youth

Antonyms: adult, grown-up