Misdemeanor
/ˌmɪsdɪˈmiːnər/
Definitions
A non-felonious offense, specifically a crime less serious than a felony. Punishable by fine or imprisonment, usually for less than one year.
/ˌmɪsdɪˈmiːnər/
A minor wrongdoing
He was arrested for a misdemeanor after causing a public disturbance.
💡 Simply: Imagine you accidentally took a candy bar without paying. That's a misdemeanor! It's a small crime that isn't as serious as something like robbing a bank.
👶 For kids: A small crime that's not as bad as a big crime.
More Examples
The penalty for the misdemeanor was a fine and community service.
The judge reduced the felony charge to a misdemeanor.
How It's Used
"The defendant was charged with a misdemeanor for shoplifting."
"Traffic violations are often classified as misdemeanors."
From Middle English *misdemeanour*, from Old French *mesdemener* ('to misbehave'), from *mes-* ('badly') + *demener* ('to lead, manage').
Historically, the term distinguished between offenses dealt with in local courts versus the more serious crimes handled at higher judicial levels.
Memory tip
Mis-DE-mean-OR: A 'mis' deed, a 'de'viation from the norm, leading to a legal 'or'deal, but a less severe one.