Misdemeanor: meaning, definitions and examples
⚖️
misdemeanor
[ ˌmɪs.dɪˈmiː.nɚ ]
legal term
A misdemeanor is a minor crime that is less serious than a felony, but more serious than an infraction. It is typically punishable by a fine, probation, community service, or a short jail sentence.
Synonyms
minor offense, petty crime
Examples of usage
- He was charged with a misdemeanor for shoplifting.
- Driving under the influence is considered a misdemeanor in some states.
Translations
Translations of the word "misdemeanor" in other languages:
🇵🇹 delito menor
🇮🇳 अपराध
🇩🇪 Vergehen
🇮🇩 pelanggaran ringan
🇺🇦 дрібне правопорушення
🇵🇱 wykroczenie
🇯🇵 軽犯罪
🇫🇷 délit mineur
🇪🇸 delito menor
🇹🇷 hafif suç
🇰🇷 경범죄
🇸🇦 جنحة
🇨🇿 přestupek
🇸🇰 priestupok
🇨🇳 轻罪
🇸🇮 prekršek
🇮🇸 minniháttarbrot
🇰🇿 ұсақ құқық бұзушылық
🇬🇪 დანაშაული
🇦🇿 kiçik cinayət
🇲🇽 delito menor
Word origin
The word 'misdemeanor' originated from the Middle English 'mis' (wrong, ill) and 'demenure' (behavior). It first appeared in the late 15th century in legal contexts to refer to a misdeed or wrongdoing of a lesser degree than a felony. Over time, it became established as a term in the legal system to differentiate between different levels of criminal offenses.
See also: demeanor.