misdemeanor

especially British, mis·de·mean·our

[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

In a recent case, a federal jury acquitted Brayan Ramos-Brito of misdemeanor assault charges after evidence shown in court contradicted what Border Patrol agents had reported to justify his prosecution.

From Los Angeles Times

A misdemeanor assault case against Brayan Ramos-Brito was the first to go to trial after dozens of people were accused of impeding or attacking federal agents during protests against immigration enforcement in Los Angeles.

From Los Angeles Times

Spitzer noted that California law only allows prosecutors to charge a misdemeanor because the assault was over the clothes and not skin-to-skin.

From Los Angeles Times

The four private individuals on trial in Athens on Wednesday are all facing misdemeanor charges - allegedly connected with the marketing of Predator.

From BBC

Edan On, 19, was charged with misdemeanor assault this year for swinging a pipe at members of the encampment in May 2024.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• offense 
• transgression 
• violation