adj
deviant
DEE-vee-uhnt
adj
1
Different from what is normal or expected, especially in a way society disapproves of.
"The study looked at deviant behaviour among teenagers."
"His deviant approach to management ruffled feathers at first, then paid off."
noun
1
A person whose behaviour clearly breaks accepted social norms.
"The tabloid labelled him a deviant after the scandal broke."
"Support groups exist for people wrongly branded as deviants."
How to Use Deviant
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone or something that strays noticeably from what is considered normal.
When to use it
Often used clinically or judgmentally rather than neutrally — it usually carries a negative charge.
Common pairings
deviant behaviour
sexual deviant
social deviant
Word Forms
more deviant comparative, deviants plural, most deviant superlative
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The study looked at _____ behaviour among teenagers.
Etymology
From Latin dēviāns, "straying" or "turning off the road" — literally de- ("away") + via ("way, road").