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

Even in places without such horrific behavior, watchdogs say things like racial profiling and excessive force by police remain common. —Patrik Jonsson, The Christian Science Monitor, 29 May 2024

Olivas was previously named in a racial profiling complaint filed by a fellow KCPD officer. —Katie Moore, Kansas City Star, 29 May 2024

The bill limited qualified immunity for officers, prevented racial profiling and restricted the use of excessive force. —Nikole Killion, CBS News, 24 May 2024

Several pro-immigrant and civil rights groups like the American Civil Liberties Union argue the state law could lead to racial profiling. —Sergio Martínez-Beltrán, NPR, 22 May 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