deviance
nounUK /ˈdiːviəns/
US /ˈdiːviəns/
Deviance is when someone does something that is different from what most people think is right or normal.
The teacher talked to the class about deviance and why rules matter.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. The act of turning away from an accepted standard or norm.
His deviance from the team's plan surprised everyone.
3. In sociology, behavior that violates social rules or expectations.
Sociologists study deviance to understand how societies set boundaries.
4. A statistical difference from what is typical or expected.
The scientist measured the deviance of each result from the average.