capital offense

Cultural  

1. A crime, such as murder or betrayal of one's country, that is treated so seriously that death may be considered an appropriate punishment.

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Example Sentences

In each of the New England colonies, witchcraft was considered a capital offense.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 31, 2023

The judge said she was reluctant to grant bond but state statute forces her hand because the charges do not include a capital offense.

From Fox News • Dec. 15, 2021

The Malicious Shooting or Stabbing Act of 1803 outlawed the “malicious using of means to procure the miscarriage of women,” and abortion after “quickening” — or fetal movement — was considered a capital offense.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 25, 2020

But not minding your own business is not a capital offense; nor is being thin-skinned.

From Slate • Jul. 23, 2019

In many countries it was a capital offense for anyone but the official astrologer to read the portents in the skies: a good way to overthrow a regime was to predict its downfall.

From "Cosmos" by Carl Sagan