felony

[fel-uh-nee]

noun

Law.

plural

felonies 

1. an offense, as murder or burglary, of graver character than those called misdemeanors, especially those commonly punished in the U.S. by imprisonment for more than a year.

2. Early English Law.,  any crime punishable by death or mutilation and forfeiture of lands and goods.

felony

/ ˈfɛlənɪ /

noun

1. (formerly) a serious crime, such as murder or arson. All distinctions between felony and misdemeanour were abolished in England and Wales in 1967

felony

1. A grave crime, such as murder, rape, or burglary, that is punishable by death (see capital offense) or imprisonment in a state or federal facility.

Word History and Origins

Origin of felony¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English felonie, from Anglo-French, Old French: “villainy”; equivalent to felon ¹ + -y ³

Example Sentences

An Orange County woman faces five felony charges after she was accused of paw-litical fraud by registering her dog to vote and illegally casting ballots for the pooch in two elections, authorities said.

From Los Angeles Times

On Wednesday, Joshua Michael Richardson, 38, was charged with felony criminal threats and possession of six high-capacity gun magazines, brass knuckles and a sword, according to the Orange County district attorney’s office.

From Los Angeles Times

Prosecutors initially charged Caravello with felony assault in a criminal complaint filed on July 12 but later downgraded that to a misdemeanor charge.

From Los Angeles Times

He was arrested on a felony weapons charge during training camp, although no criminal charges have been filed in the case.

From Los Angeles Times

Federal prosecutors, under Pirro’s directive, sought a felony assault indictment as a dramatic gesture to show toughness.

From Salon

Related Words

• arson 
• assault 
• burglary 
• murder 
• offense 
• rape 
• robbery 
• violation 
• wrongdoing