high treason

American  

noun

1. treason against the sovereign or state.

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high treason British  

noun

1. an act of treason directly affecting a sovereign or state

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Etymology

Origin of high treason

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400

Example Sentences

Since then, the Traoré-led junta has tightened its grip on the country, expelling French forces, adopting an assertive nationalist stance and recently reinstating the death penalty, including for crimes of high treason.

From BBC

He also noted the "absence of the death penalty" even though Burkina Faso recently reinstated it for crimes of high treason.

From Barron's

Saudi Arabia branded him a “fugitive,” while the Yemeni government accused him of high treason.

From Los Angeles Times

On Friday, the government accused Kabila, 53, of high treason and ordered the seizure of all his property.

From BBC

Unfortunately for the Duke of Buckingham, his 1521 gift of a goblet engraved with the motto "With humble, true heart" did not do the trick, and he was executed the same year for high treason.

From Salon