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Felony Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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felony

[ˈfɛləni ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

legal term

A serious crime, usually punishable by imprisonment for more than one year or by death. Felonies are typically more severe offenses than misdemeanors.

Synonyms

crime, offense, violation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
felony

A felony is a serious crime, usually involving violence, and it is punishable by more than a year in prison. This term is typically used in legal contexts to describe major offenses.

  • He was charged with a felony for armed robbery.
  • Felonies like murder and kidnapping carry severe penalties.
crime

Crime is a broad term that can refer to any action or omission that is punishable by law. This word is general and can be used to describe both minor and major illegal activities.

  • The police investigate all types of crime.
  • She was a victim of a violent crime.
offense

An offense is any violation of the law, ranging from minor infractions to serious crimes. This term is often used in legal contexts and can refer to both criminal and civil violations.

  • Speeding is considered a traffic offense.
  • He was arrested for a drug offense.
violation

A violation is a breach of a rule, law, or agreement. This term is often used to describe less severe infractions, such as breaking traffic laws or ignoring regulations.

  • Parking in a no-parking zone is a violation of city ordinances.
  • There were several safety violations in the factory.

Examples of usage

  • Murder, armed robbery, and drug trafficking are all examples of felonies.
  • Committing a felony can have serious long-term consequences.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Legal Distinctions

  • Felonies are generally more severe than misdemeanors, which are less serious crimes.
  • In the United States, felonies typically carry a punishment of more than one year in prison.

Impact on Life

  • Being convicted of a felony can affect a person's job prospects, as many employers conduct background checks.
  • In some places, individuals with felony convictions may lose certain rights, like voting or owning firearms.

Pop Culture

  • Many movies and TV shows explore themes related to felony crimes, showcasing the struggles of characters dealing with the law.
  • The portrayal of felons in media often influences public perception, sometimes leading to stereotypes.

Societal Perspectives

  • Views on felony laws and punishments can vary significantly across different cultures and societies.
  • Some advocacy groups argue for reform in how felonies are classified and punished, focusing on rehabilitation over punishment.

Origin of 'felony'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'felony' comes from the Old French word 'felonie', meaning a great crime or wickedness.
  • In the Middle Ages, felonies were also associated with actions that threatened the community, like treason or robbery.

The word 'felony' originated from the Old French 'felonie' and ultimately from the Latin 'felonia', meaning 'wickedness' or 'evil'. In the legal context, the term has evolved to represent serious criminal offenses punishable by significant penalties.

See also: felon, felonious, felons.

Word Frequency Rank

At #7,451 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.