profiling

noun

pro·​fil·​ing ˈprō-ˌfī-liŋ 

: 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

Examples of profiling in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Racial profiling is one of the many claims alleged against Phoenix PD in the suit. —Karen Bartunek, The Arizona Republic, 20 Nov. 2024

But as the two creatives note, maybe there’s a bit of profiling going on if Star Wars fans instantly assumed that Neel and Max Rebo share alien DNA. —Matt Webb Mitovich, TVLine, 22 Nov. 2024

Opponents of the Arizona measure caution that state-level enforcement could strain Arizona's economy and lead to costly litigation, especially if racial profiling issues arise. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2024

Opponents raise issues like the risk of racial profiling. —Lauren Feiner, The Verge, 30 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1980, in the meaning defined above

Legal Definition

profiling

noun

pro·​fil·​ing

: 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