Misdemeanour: meaning, definitions and examples
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misdemeanour
[ ˌmɪsdɪˈmiːnə ]
legal context
A misdemeanour is a minor wrongdoing or a less severe criminal offense, typically punishable by fines, community service, or short-term incarceration. It is less serious than a felony and often involves minor harm to persons or property.
Synonyms
misdeed, offense, transgression, violation.
Examples of usage
- He was charged with a misdemeanour for vandalism.
- Driving without a valid license is considered a misdemeanour.
- She received a misdemeanour citation for noise complaints.
- The judge sentenced him to community service for his misdemeanour.
- They handled the misdemeanour case without needing a trial.
Translations
Translations of the word "misdemeanour" in other languages:
🇵🇹 delito menor
🇮🇳 अपराध
🇩🇪 Vergehen
🇮🇩 kejahatan ringan
🇺🇦 правопорушення
🇵🇱 wykroczenie
🇯🇵 軽犯罪
🇫🇷 délit
🇪🇸 delito menor
🇹🇷 kabahat
🇰🇷 경범죄
🇸🇦 جنحة
🇨🇿 přečin
🇸🇰 prečin
🇨🇳 轻罪
🇸🇮 prekršek
🇮🇸 lítilag
🇰🇿 құқықбұзушылық
🇬🇪 მესაკუთრება
🇦🇿 kiçik cinayət
🇲🇽 delito menor
Etymology
The term 'misdemeanour' originates from the Middle English word 'misdemenen,' which means to behave wrongly or mismanage. This word is a combination of 'mis-', a prefix meaning bad or wrong, and 'demean', derived from the Latin 'demenare' meaning to lead or conduct oneself. The use of the term 'misdemeanour' in legal contexts dates back to the 14th century, where it was used to describe any act that was considered wrong but not serious enough to warrant the penalties reserved for felonies. Over the centuries, the classification and implications of misdemeanours have evolved, but they consistently represent minor infractions against the law, often handled with less severe consequences than more serious crimes.