Felon
/ˈfɛlən/
Definitions
A person who has been convicted of a felony.
/ˈfɛlən/
A person who has committed a felony.
The convicted felon was denied entry into the country.
💡 Simply: A felon is someone who has been found guilty of a really serious crime, like robbing a bank or hurting someone badly. Imagine they're not allowed to own guns and might have to stay in jail for a long time.
👶 For kids: A felon is someone who broke a really big rule and has to go to jail.
More Examples
The parole officer supervised the felon's release from prison.
As a felon, he faced restrictions on voting and owning firearms.
How It's Used
"The judge sentenced the felon to five years in prison."
"Police are searching for a convicted felon who escaped custody."
From Middle English *felen*, from Old French *felon*, from Medieval Latin *felo*, from a Germanic source, possibly related to Old English *fela* ('fierce').
Historically, the term *felon* denoted a person who committed a serious crime against the feudal order.
Memory tip
Think of a 'fellow' who's done a 'felony'.