Search Dictionary
Definition of deviancy

deviancy

/ˈdiːviənsi/
de · vi · an · cy
Adverb:deviantly
•
Plural:deviancies
•
Adjective:deviant
JUMP TO:

deviancy Lexical Profile

deviancy Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The state or quality of departing from accepted social, moral, or behavioral standards; abnormal or unconventional conduct.

Example

"The sociological study examined how different cultures define and respond to social deviancy."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for deviancy
Antonyms
View all antonyms for deviancy

Word Nuance & Usage

While interchangeable with 'deviance', 'deviancy' often carries a slightly more clinical or pejorative connotation, whereas 'deviance' is the preferred standard term in academic sociology and criminology.

• Nearby Words

developmentally
devex
deviance
deviancy
deviant
deviate
deviation

Word Origin & Etymology

Derived from Late Latin 'deviantia', from 'deviare' ('to turn out of the way'), a compound of 'de-' ('off, away from') and 'via' ('way, road').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Deviancy. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/deviancy
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.