delictivo

Delictivo is a Spanish adjective derived from delito (crime) with the suffix -ivo, meaning “pertaining to crime.” In legal and criminological discourse in Spanish-speaking countries, delictivo describes acts, behaviors, or individuals associated with crime or illicit conduct. The most common collocations are conducta delictiva or actividad delictiva, used to refer to criminal or illicit behavior that violates the law. The term is neutral in form, but it often carries a negative moral valence because it denotes wrongdoing.

In usage, delictivo contrasts with delincuente (criminal person) or delito (crime). While delictivo refers to the nature of the act as criminal or illicit, delito denotes the offense itself, and delincuente refers to the person who commits it. In some civil-law jurisdictions, the root delict- appears in concepts such as delict (delito) or delictual liability, where wrongful behavior can give rise to civil liability as opposed to criminal liability. In such contexts, delictivo may describe the conduct that constitutes a civil wrong or crime, depending on the legal framework.

Translations into English vary by context. Delictivo is often rendered as delictual or delictive, though phrases like conducta delictiva are frequently translated as criminal activity or criminal conduct. The precise meaning of delictivo depends on jurisdiction and legal tradition, making careful translation and reference to local law important.