criminology

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Criminology is the study of crime and how people behave when they break the law. It's like being a detective, but instead of solving crimes, you're trying to understand why they happen.

If someone says "I'm studying criminology," it usually means they're working on their degree in this field. They might be interested in understanding what motivates people to commit crimes, or how the police and courts work. This could lead them to a career as a forensic scientist, a law enforcement officer, or even a counselor helping prisoners adjust to life after prison. Some criminologists might focus on specific areas like cybercrime, domestic violence, or the relationship between poverty and crime.

How common is "criminology"?

Word criminology is considered rare in modern English.
It appears most frequently in academic texts and less often in other writings.
Definitions

noun

  • The study of crime and criminals, especially their behaviour.