felony

[ fel-uh-nee ]

noun

, Law.

, plural fel·o·nies.

1. an offense, as murder or burglary, of graver character than those called misdemeanors, especially those commonly punished in the U.S. by imprisonment for more than a year.
2. Early English Law. any crime punishable by death or mutilation and forfeiture of lands and goods.

felony

/ ˈfɛlənɪ /

noun

1. (formerly) a serious crime, such as murder or arson. All distinctions between felony and misdemeanour were abolished in England and Wales in 1967

felony

1. A grave crime, such as murder, rape, or burglary, that is punishable by death ( see capital offense ) or imprisonment in a state or federal facility.

Word History and Origins

Origin of felony¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English felonie, from Anglo-French, Old French: “villainy”; equivalent to felon ¹ + -y ³

Example Sentences

The country singer-songwriter, who has written with Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard and George Strait, is facing a felony drug charge after he was pulled over by the Tennessee Highway Patrol for speeding, the Tennesseean reported.

From Los Angeles Times

Trump had been scheduled to be sentenced next week, on Nov. 26, for a conviction on 34 felony counts relating to falsified business records concerning hush money paid to adult film actress Stormy Daniels.

From Salon

While Gaulden will not face prison time in Utah, his four felony charges were reduced to Class A misdemeanors and he was ordered to pay a $25,000 fine, according to KTVX-TV.

From Los Angeles Times

Moore pleaded guilty last year to seven felonies, including conspiracy to commit mail fraud, mail fraud, conspiracy to engage in money laundering and money laundering.

From Los Angeles Times

Still, an investigation by law enforcement confirmed that Vandenbush had sent nude photos and agreed to meet a minor at the park for sexual purposes, and he was arrested on several felony charges.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• arson
• assault
• burglary
• murder
• offense
• rape
• robbery
• violation
• wrongdoing