Felon Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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felon
[ˈfɛlən ]
Definitions
criminal
A person who has been convicted of a felony, which is a serious crime such as murder or robbery.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| felon |
Used mainly in legal and formal contexts to describe someone who has been convicted of a serious crime.
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| criminal |
A general term used to describe anyone who has committed a crime. It can be used in both serious and less formal contexts.
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| offender |
Often used in legal and social services contexts to describe a person who has broken the law, regardless of the severity of the crime.
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| convict |
Commonly used to refer to someone who has been found guilty of a crime and is serving their sentence.
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Examples of usage
- The police arrested the felon after a high-speed chase.
- He was labeled as a felon after being found guilty of embezzlement.
legal
In legal terms, a felon is someone who has committed a serious crime that is punishable by imprisonment for more than a year.
Synonyms
delinquent, lawbreaker, wrongdoer.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| felon |
Use this term in legal or formal contexts to refer to someone who has committed a serious crime, often punishable by imprisonment for more than a year.
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| lawbreaker |
This term is a more neutral or informal way to describe someone who violates laws. It does not necessarily imply the severity of the crime.
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| delinquent |
This word is often used to describe minors who commit minor crimes or engage in unlawful behavior. It has a less severe connotation than 'felon'.
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| wrongdoer |
Use this term in moral or ethical discussions to describe someone who engages in unethical, immoral, or illegal activities. It is less legalistic and more subjective.
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Examples of usage
- The judge sentenced the felon to ten years in prison.
- Being a felon can have long-lasting consequences on one's life.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Legal Context
- A felony is generally considered a more serious offense than a misdemeanor, usually punishable by imprisonment for over a year.
- Many felonies can include violent crimes, theft, drug offenses, and fraud, making their impacts significant.
- In the U.S., laws vary by state regarding what constitutes a felony and the associated penalties.
Social Consequences
- Having a felony record can affect a person's ability to find employment, vote, and secure housing.
- Some organizations work to rehabilitate felons, helping them reintegrate into society and reduce recidivism.
- Public perceptions of felons can vary widely, often influenced by media portrayals and societal attitudes.
Cultural References
- Numerous films and books explore the lives of felons, reflecting societal issues and individual stories of regret and redemption.
- Music, especially in genres like hip-hop, often addresses themes of crime, punishment, and the felon's experience, shaping cultural narratives.
- Television shows sometimes dramatize the lives of felons, raising public consciousness about crime and rehabilitation.
Psychological Aspects
- Research indicates that poverty and lack of education are closely tied to high felon rates, addressing broader social justice issues.
- Understanding the psychological impacts of incarceration on individuals can aid in their rehabilitation and successful reintegration.
- Studies show that support systems post-incarceration significantly reduce the chances of reoffending, highlighting the need for communal support.
Origin of 'felon'
Main points about word origin
- The word originated from the Latin word 'felonem,' which means 'evil doer.'
- In late Middle English, the term referred specifically to someone who had committed a serious crime.
- Over time, the definition narrowed to mean someone convicted of a felony as opposed to a lesser crime.
The word 'felon' originated from Old French 'felon', meaning 'wicked, a wicked person'. It has been used in English since the 13th century to refer to someone who has committed a serious crime. Over the years, the term has been associated with criminal behavior and legal repercussions.