felon

¹ American  

[fel-uhn] / ˈfɛl ən /

noun

1. Law.  a person who has been convicted of a felony, such as grand theft, kidnapping, or murder.

2. Archaic.  a wicked person.

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adjective

1. Archaic.  wicked; malicious; treacherous.

felon ² American  

[fel-uhn] / ˈfɛl ən /

noun

1. an acute and painful inflammation of the deeper tissues of a finger or toe, usually near the nail: a form of whitlow.

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felon ¹ British  

/ ˈfɛlən /

noun

1. criminal law (formerly) a person who has committed a felony

2. obsolete  a wicked person

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adjective

1. archaic  evil; cruel

felon ² British  

/ ˈfɛlən /

noun

1. a purulent inflammation of the end joint of a finger, sometimes affecting the bone

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Sensitive Note

Terms such as felon, convict, inmate, and offender can be dehumanizing to people in the criminal justice system. The stigma of these categories often follows people after their release from prison, and contributes to difficulty reintegrating into society. Because of this, it is often better to use language that centers the specific experiences of a person or group, rather than using a label: People who have been incarcerated may have problems accessing quality healthcare, rather than Felons may have problems accessing quality healthcare. Some individuals who have been imprisoned or convicted of a crime, however, might use these labels to describe themselves. It is always best to respect a person's self-designation when referring to them.

Etymology

Origin of felon¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English fel(o)un “wicked, wicked person, evildoer,” from Old French fel (nominative), felun (oblique) “wicked person, traitor,” from Medieval Latin fellon- , stem of fello “villain, evildoer”; further etymology uncertain

Origin of felon²

1375–1425; late Middle English felo ( u ) n < Medieval Latin fellōn- (stem of fellō ) scrofulous tumor, of uncertain origin

Example Sentences

His abductors, authorities charge, included a felon with ties to Israeli organized crime and a former officer from the Los Angeles Police Department.

From Los Angeles Times

Mitlyng reasoned that Pierre didn’t want to admit to shooting Fedrick because, as a felon, it was a crime for him to possess a firearm.

From The Wall Street Journal

As a convicted felon, Broxton lost his right to possess a gun.

From Salon

This success marks a stunning turnaround: In December 2024, he was sentenced to 23 months in prison after pleading guilty to possessing weapons as a felon.

From The Wall Street Journal

On Thursday, Alford was charged with burglary, peeking, invading privacy, possession of a firearm by a felon, possession of ammunition by a felon and trespassing, according to court records.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• convict
• delinquent
• lawbreaker
• offender