misdemeanor
misdemeanor Lexical Profile
misdemeanor Game Scores & Validity
• noun
American A minor criminal offense that is less serious than a felony and typically punishable by a fine, probation, or brief incarceration in a local jail.
"Trespassing on the construction site was classified as a misdemeanor, resulting in community service and a modest fine."
American An instance of minor wrongdoing, bad behavior, or social misconduct.
"The teacher overlooked the student's minor misdemeanor of whispering during the assembly."
Word Nuance & Usage
In legal contexts, a misdemeanor is a lesser offense than a felony, typically punishable by a fine or up to one year in a county jail rather than a state prison. It is spelled 'misdemeanour' in British English.
• Rhymes for misdemeanor
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Formed in late Middle English from the prefix 'mis-' (badly, wrongly) and 'demeanor' (behavior or conduct), ultimately tracing back to Anglo-French 'demener' (to conduct oneself).