misdemeanor

[ mis-di-mee-ner ]

noun

1. Law. a criminal offense defined as less serious than a felony.
2. an instance of misbehavior; misdeed.

misdemeanor

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 .)

Word History and Origins

Origin of misdemeanor¹

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

Example Sentences

Bates pleaded guilty to a charge of misdemeanor grand theft and resisting a police officer, according to court records.

From Los Angeles Times

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

Carrillo pleaded guilty in July to depriving a person’s rights under the color of law, a misdemeanor, as part of a plea deal with prosecutors.

From Los Angeles Times

Friday and booked on a misdemeanor charge, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

From Los Angeles Times

Hochman’s agenda includes a return to seeking the death penalty, an increase in the prosecution of low-level misdemeanors and using sentencing enhancements to seek long prison terms in cases that involve guns or gangs.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• offense
• transgression
• violation