1. behavior that differs from what is considered normal or acceptable by society
Usage: formal; often used in sociology and psychology

Examples

• The study examined patterns of deviance among teenagers.
• Social deviance can range from minor rule-breaking to serious criminal behavior.
• The researcher analyzed cultural factors that influence deviance.
• Some forms of deviance are later accepted as normal by society.
• The theory explains how deviance develops in different communities.
• Statistical deviance from the norm was noted in the data.