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

The law led to racial profiling and a decline in the number of workers in the state. —Emily Wilkins, CNBC, 4 Nov. 2024

The reinstatement of the ban caused backlash from some community members, who say masks are needed for illness prevention and who worry enforcement of the ban could lead to racial profiling. —Eleanor McCrary, The Courier-Journal, 29 Oct. 2024

Sheridan, along with former Sheriff Joe Arpaio, was found to be in civil contempt for not following U.S. District Court Judge Murray Snow's orders in a racial profiling case filed against MCSO. —Olivia Rose, The Arizona Republic, 26 Oct. 2024

Opponents say the proposal could lead to racial profiling and burden law enforcement. —Monica Potts, ABC News, 24 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