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

Despite the seriousness of the case, this is the only part of it that has come to trial and took place in a court concerned only by misdemeanors.

From BBC

Two other charges, including a misdemeanor for property damage, were reportedly dismissed.

From Los Angeles Times

But late last year, Hochman dismissed charges against all except Little, whose case was reduced to a misdemeanor, for which he received 12 months of probation.

From Los Angeles Times

Explaining his stance on not enforcing the mask ban, McDonnell said he wouldn’t risk asking his officers to approach “another armed agency creating conflict for something that” amounted to a misdemeanor offense.

From Los Angeles Times

He pleaded guilty to misdemeanor speeding and paid $686 in fines.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• offense
• transgression
• violation