What Is the Origin of the Word Criminology? Meaning and Etymology Explained

Discover the origin of the word criminology from Latin and Greek roots and understand its meaning in the study of crime and criminal behavior.

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The word criminology originates from the Latin word 'criminis,' meaning crime, and the Greek suffix '-ology,' meaning the study of. Criminology, therefore, is the systematic study of crime, criminal behavior, and the criminal justice system.

FAQs & Answers

  1. What does the suffix '-ology' mean? The suffix '-ology' is derived from Greek and means 'the study of' a particular subject or field.
  2. Where does the word 'criminology' come from? The word 'criminology' originates from the Latin word 'criminis' meaning crime, combined with the Greek suffix '-ology' meaning the study of.
  3. What does criminology study? Criminology is the systematic study of crime, criminal behavior, and the criminal justice system.