How Do You Spell RUNAWAY YOUTH?

Pronunciation: [ɹˈʌnəwˌe͡ɪ jˈuːθ] (IPA)

The phrase "runaway youth" refers to young people who have left their homes or guardians without permission. The word "runaway" is spelled phonetically as /ˈrʌnəwei/, with emphasis on the first syllable "run" and a schwa sound in the second syllable. The word "youth" is spelled as /juːθ/, with a long "u" sound and a voiceless "th" sound at the end. This phrase is commonly used in discussions about homelessness and youth disconnection, and it's important to understand its spelling to communicate clearly about these issues.

RUNAWAY YOUTH Meaning and Definition

1. A runaway youth refers to an adolescent or teenager who voluntarily leaves their home or place of residence without the consent or knowledge of their parents or guardians. This term is often used to describe individuals aged between 12 and 18 years old who choose to flee their homes due to various reasons.

   Runaway youth may leave their homes to escape from situations of abuse, neglect, or dysfunctional family environments. Factors such as physical, emotional, or sexual violence, neglect, substance abuse, parental conflicts, or other forms of instability at home can play a significant role in their decision to leave. Additionally, some runaway youth may be driven by personal conflicts, such as disagreements with their parents or lack of acceptance for their identity, sexuality, or beliefs.

   Once they leave, runaway youth often find themselves without stable housing or means of support, making them vulnerable to exploitation, human trafficking, substance abuse, and other risks. They may become involved in criminal activities, engage in risky behavior, or experience physical and mental health problems.

   Efforts are made by law enforcement agencies, social services, and non-profit organizations to locate runaway youth, ensure their safety, and provide them with shelter, counseling, and resources to reintegrate into society. The aim is to address the underlying issues that led to their decision to run away and help them reunite, when possible, with their families or find alternative safe and stable living arrangements.

Etymology of RUNAWAY YOUTH

The word "runaway youth" consists of two parts: "runaway" and "youth".

1. "Runaway" is derived from the verb "run away", which means to leave a place hastily, typically to escape something or someone. The term "run away" has been in use since the late 14th century and evolved from Middle English, combining the words "run" and "away". "Run" comes from the Old English word "rinnan", meaning "to flow, run", while "away" traces its origins to Old English "onweg", denoting "on" (from) and "weg" (movement).

2. "Youth" is a noun that refers to a young person, often specifically someone in the stage between childhood and adulthood.