demerit
dee-MEHR-it
/diːˈmɛrɪt/
A mark or point recorded against a person's driving record for a traffic violation, which can lead to license suspension.
Demerit points are negative marks, though confusingly, in driving systems, you 'accumulate' them until you reach a limit that triggers a penalty.
The story behind the word. In Latin, 'demereri' originally meant 'to deserve well' (from 'de-' intensive + 'mereri' to earn). However, in Medieval Latin, the prefix 'de-' was interpreted as negative, shifting the meaning to 'deserve ill' or 'fault'.
Word relationships
- penalty point: Penalty point is the term used in the UK and Australia, whereas demerit is more common in North America.
- merit: A merit is a positive mark or reward, whereas a demerit is a penalty or black mark.
Commonly confused with
- fine: A fine is a monetary penalty, while a demerit is a point recorded on your driving record.
Word family
- demeritorious (adjective): Deserving of blame or censure (rarely used in modern driving contexts).
Collocations
- demerit points
- receive a demerit
- demerit system
- accumulate demerits
Example sentences
- "Accumulating twelve demerit points within a single year will result in an automatic suspension of your driver's license." An explanation of how the state's point system works.
Memory hook
A demerit is the opposite of a merit badge; it's a badge of driving shame. Demerit decreases your driving merits.
When not to use
Do not use 'demerit' to describe a physical fine or cash penalty; it refers strictly to the record-keeping points.
Fun facts
- The demerit system was first used in schools in the 19th century to track bad behavior before being adopted by traffic departments.
Explore more words
penalty, violation, infraction, revocation, denigration, blemish
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