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profiling

noun

Definition of profiling

:the act or process of extrapolating information about a person based on known traits or tendencies
  • consumer profiling
; specifically :the act of suspecting or targeting a person on the basis of observed characteristics or behavior
  • racial profiling

See profiling defined for English-language learners

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Recent Examples of profiling from the Web

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'profiling.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of profiling

1980

PROFILING Defined for English Language Learners

profiling

noun

Definition of profiling for English Language Learners

  • : the act or process of learning information about someone based on what is already known

  • : the act or practice of regarding particular people as more likely to commit crimes because of their appearance, race, etc.

Law Dictionary

profiling

noun pro·fil·ing

legal Definition of profiling

: the practice of singling out persons for law enforcement procedures on the basis of predetermined characteristics; specifically : the discriminatory practice of profiling based on race or ethnicity
  • racial profiling

Learn More about profiling

  1. Britannica English: Translation of profiling for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about profiling

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