misdemeanor — a minor wrongdoing or criminal offense that is less serious than a felony
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: a minor wrongdoing or criminal offense that is less serious than a felony
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈmɪsdɪˌminər/
Example Sentences
- He was arrested for the misdemeanor of public urination after too much coffee.
- Parking in a no-parking zone is typically classified as a misdemeanor.
- The judge treated the food fight in the cafeteria as a simple misdemeanor.
misdemeanor
NOUN[/ˈmɪsdɪˌminər/]
a minor wrongdoing or criminal offense that is less serious than a felony
The boy was caught for a misdemeanor after spraying graffiti on the school wall.
A complainer by the container gets a misdemeanor!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The term emerged in the 16th century through the combination of the prefix 'mis-' (wrong, bad) and 'demeanor' (behavior, conduct), literally meaning 'wrong conduct'. Originally denoting simply improper behavior, it evolved into a specific legal term referring to a minor criminal offense less serious than a felony.
Breakdown
mis- (wrong, bad) + demeanor (behavior, bearing, conduct). The prefix 'mis-' derives from Old English and means to do something incorrectly, while 'demeanor' comes from Old French demener (to conduct or behave).
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“He was arrested for the misdemeanor of public urination after too much coffee.”
“Parking in a no-parking zone is typically classified as a misdemeanor.”
“The judge treated the food fight in the cafeteria as a simple misdemeanor.”
“Most traffic violations are considered misdemeanors rather than felonies.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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