delinquir

Word: delinquir

Meaning:
The Spanish verb "delinquir" means "to commit a crime" or "to engage in illegal or criminal activity." It is used to describe the act of breaking the law.

Parts of the word:

• The root comes from Latin delinquere, where de- means "away" or "completely," and linquere means "to leave" or "to forsake." Together, it implies "to fail, to commit a fault, or to err."

Use in context:

• "Ese joven empezó a delinquir cuando abandonó la escuela."
  ("That young man started to commit crimes when he dropped out of school.")

Synonyms:

• cometer un delito (commit a crime)
• infringir la ley (break the law)
• transgredir (transgress)

Antonyms:

• respetar la ley (respect the law)
• comportarse bien (behave well)
• obrar legalmente (act legally)

Additional notes:
"Delinquir" is a formal/legal term mostly used in the context of criminal acts. It generally refers to any violation of the law, not just minor offenses.