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Felons Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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felons

[ˈfɛlənz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

criminal justice system

A person who has been convicted of a felony, which is a serious crime typically punishable by imprisonment for more than one year.

Synonyms

convict, criminal, offender.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
convict

This term refers to someone who has been found guilty of a crime and is often used in the context of someone who has already been sent to prison. It can also imply that the person is serving their sentence.

  • The prison housed over 500 convicts.
  • She was a convict who had just been released after a decade in prison.
offender

This term is often used to describe someone who has violated a law or regulation, and can apply to both minor and major offenses. It has a somewhat formal and neutral tone.

  • First-time offenders may receive a lighter sentence.
  • The program aims to rehabilitate juvenile offenders.
criminal

This word is broadly used to describe someone who commits any kind of crime, regardless of its severity. It is a general term and can be used in casual or formal situations.

  • The police are working hard to catch the criminal.
  • He had a history of minor crimes but wasn't considered a dangerous criminal.

Examples of usage

  • Many felons struggle to find employment after serving their sentence.
  • Convicted felons may lose certain rights, such as the right to vote.
Context #2 | Noun

informal

A person who has committed a serious crime, regardless of whether or not they have been convicted.

Synonyms

criminal, lawbreaker, wrongdoer.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
felons

This term is used to refer to individuals who have committed serious crimes, often punishable by lengthy prison sentences. 'Felons' has a legal context and is usually used in formal or legal settings.

  • Felons are often barred from voting in certain jurisdictions.
  • The state has programs to help rehabilitate felons after their release.
criminal

This is a general term that refers to anyone who commits a crime, whether minor or serious. 'Criminal' can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but can carry a negative connotation.

  • The police are looking for the criminal responsible for the robbery.
  • Being labeled as a criminal can have long-term social consequences.
wrongdoer

This is a less formal term that can refer to anyone who does something morally or legally wrong. It has a broad, less severe tone compared to 'criminal' or 'felons'.

  • The company promised to take action against any wrongdoer in their ranks.
  • While he was a wrongdoer, many believe he deserves a second chance.
lawbreaker

This term refers to anyone who violates the law. It can be used informally and may cover a wide range of illegal activities, from minor infractions to serious crimes.

  • Jaywalking makes you a lawbreaker, even if it's a minor offense.
  • Habitual lawbreakers may eventually face more severe penalties.

Examples of usage

  • Some felons are able to evade law enforcement for years.
  • The neighborhood was uneasy knowing there were felons living nearby.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Legal Definition

  • In many countries, felons are individuals convicted of serious offenses, typically punishable by more than a year in prison.
  • Felonies can include crimes like murder, burglary, and drug trafficking, distinguishing them from lesser offenses known as misdemeanors.

Historical Context

  • The term 'felon' originates from the Latin word 'felo' meaning 'to commit a crime' and evolved through Old French as 'felon' before being used in English.
  • Historically, punishment for felons in medieval times could include harsh penalties such as exile or execution, reflecting the seriousness of their offenses.

Cultural Perspectives

  • In some cultures, individuals labeled as felons undergo significant stigma, affecting their reintegration into society post-release.
  • Movies and television often portray felons dramatically, highlighting the conflict between society and those who break its rules.

Rehabilitation Efforts

  • Various organizations aim to rehabilitate felons, providing education and job training to help them reintegrate into society successfully.
  • Programs focusing on mental health and substance abuse treatment are essential in reducing recidivism rates among felons.

Rights and Consequences

  • Felons often face loss of certain civil rights, including the right to vote or carry firearms, which can vary by jurisdiction.
  • In recent years, movements advocating for criminal justice reform have sought to lessen the long-term impacts of felony convictions on individuals' lives.

Origin of 'felons'

The term 'felon' originates from the Latin word 'felo' which means 'evil person'. It has been used in English since the 13th century to refer to individuals convicted of serious crimes. The concept of felonies and felons has evolved over time in legal systems around the world.

See also: felon, felonious, felony.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,964, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.