misdemeanor

American  

[mis-di-mee-ner] / ˌmɪs dɪˈmi nər /

especially British, misdemeanour

noun

1. Law. a criminal offense defined as less serious than a felony.

2. an instance of misbehavior; misdeed.

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misdemeanor Cultural  

1. A minor crime, punishable by a fine or a light jail term. Common misdemeanors, such as traffic violations, are usually dealt with informally, without a trial. (Compare felony.)

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Etymology

Origin of misdemeanor

First recorded in 1480–90; mis- ¹ + demeanor

Example Sentences

Dozens of participants were later charged with misdemeanor offenses related to unlawful assembly and obstruction, with many ultimately placed into diversion programs requiring community service.

From Los Angeles Times

He was reinstated when the charge was reduced to a misdemeanor.

From Los Angeles Times

Perhaps the saddest was the case of a Garden Grove gas station owner who was convicted of misdemeanors for illegally giving customers preferential treatment.

From Los Angeles Times

Under the bill, the attorney also would be disbarred for a misdemeanor capping conviction if the lawyer “acted knowingly and for financial gain.”

From Los Angeles Times

He also faces a misdemeanor charge of resisting an officer and nine traffic violations.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• offense
• transgression
• violation