sex offender: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Formal, Legal, Journalistic
Quick answer
What does “sex offender” mean?
A person who has been convicted of a crime involving sexual misconduct.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person who has been convicted of a crime involving sexual misconduct.
A legal and social designation for individuals found guilty of sexual crimes, which often results in registration on a public list, restrictions on residency, and societal stigma.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The legal definitions and criteria for classification can vary by jurisdiction in both the UK and US, but the term itself is identical. The 'sex offender registry' is a central concept in both.
Connotations
Equally severe and stigmatizing in both dialects.
Frequency
Common in both varieties due to widespread media reporting on crime and legal proceedings.
Grammar
How to Use “sex offender” in a Sentence
[sex offender] + [verb: was convicted/registered/fled/appealed][adjective: convicted/registered] + [sex offender]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sex offender” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He was required to sex offender register for ten years.
American English
- He was required to register as a sex offender for ten years.
adjective
British English
- The sex offender registry is accessible to the public.
American English
- The sex-offender registry is accessible to the public.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable; highly specific to legal/social contexts.
Academic
Used in criminology, sociology, law, and psychology papers discussing crime, punishment, and recidivism.
Everyday
Used in news discussions and serious conversations about crime and public safety; not casual.
Technical
Precise legal term with specific criteria defined by statute.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sex offender”
- Using it informally or jokingly (highly inappropriate). Misspelling as 'sex offendor'. Confusing with 'sexual assailant' (which refers specifically to assault).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 'Rapist' refers specifically to someone convicted of rape. 'Sex offender' is a broader legal category that can include other crimes like indecent exposure, possession of illegal material, or sexual assault not amounting to rape.
It depends on the jurisdiction and the severity of the crime. In some places and for some offenses, removal is possible after a mandated period and meeting strict criteria. For other, more serious offenses, registration is for life.
Because it describes a category of crime that causes profound harm to victims and is universally condemned. The label carries immense social and legal consequences, including stigma, housing restrictions, and ongoing monitoring.
No. While the overwhelming majority of convicted sex offenders are male, the term applies legally to any person, regardless of gender, convicted of a qualifying sexual crime.
A person who has been convicted of a crime involving sexual misconduct.
Sex offender is usually formal, legal, journalistic in register.
Sex offender: in British English it is pronounced /ˈseks əˌfɛndə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsɛks əˌfɛndər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(to be) on the register”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: SEX (the nature of the crime) + OFFENDER (a person who breaks the law).
Conceptual Metaphor
Often conceptualized as a 'stain' or 'mark' on a person's identity that is publicly recorded and difficult to remove.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'sex offender' MOST appropriately used?