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

Opponents say the proposal could lead to racial profiling and burden law enforcement. —Monica Potts, ABC News, 24 Oct. 2024

In the 21st century, racial profiling has been a problem in the enforcement of traffic laws by sheriffs in Arizona and California, among other states. —Emily Farris, The Conversation, 23 Sep. 2024

And in a 2022 speech at George Mason University, Matthew Olsen, then-head of the National Security Division at the DOJ, addressed concerns around the program’s potential for discrimination, racial profiling and its impact on the research community. —Kimmy Yam, NBC News, 13 Sep. 2024

In 1985, owing to a series of successful arrests, a magazine article introduced the world to the men of the FBI’s psychological profiling team. —Sophie Hanson, StyleCaster, 11 July 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