Definition

1. Noun:
   • A serious crime: A felony is a category of crime that is considered more severe than a misdemeanor. It typically involves violence or significant harm and carries a heavier punishment, such as imprisonment for more than one year.

Usage

• The word "felony" is used in legal contexts to classify serious criminal offenses. It is a formal term.
• It is often contrasted with "misdemeanor," which refers to a less serious crime.

Examples

• Noun:
  • Murder and armed robbery are considered felonies.
  • He was convicted of a felony for committing arson.
  • A felony conviction can result in the loss of certain civil rights.

Advanced Usage

• "Felony murder": A legal rule that holds a person responsible for murder if a death occurs during the commission of a dangerous felony, even if the person did not directly cause the death.

  • Under the felony murder rule, the getaway driver was charged with murder when his accomplice killed a clerk.

• "Capital felony": A felony for which the death penalty may be imposed.

  • In some jurisdictions, treason is a capital felony.

Variants and Related Words

• Felonious (adj): Of, relating to, or involved in a felony.

  • The suspect was charged with felonious assault.

• Felon (n): A person who has been convicted of a felony.

  • The law restricts felons from owning firearms.

Synonyms

• Serious crime: A grave criminal act.
• High crime: (Often used in historical or formal contexts, e.g., "high crimes and misdemeanors").

Antonyms

• Misdemeanor (n): A minor wrongdoing, a less serious crime punishable by less than a year in jail.

Related Phrases

• "Felony charge": The formal accusation of having committed a felony.

  • He is facing a felony charge for embezzlement.

• "Felony case": A legal proceeding concerning a felony offense.

  • The district attorney's office handles all felony cases.

Noun

1. a serious crime (such as murder or arson)