misdemeanor

especially British, mis·de·mean·our

[mis-di-mee-ner]

noun

1. Law.,  a criminal offense defined as less serious than a felony.

2. an instance of misbehavior; misdeed.

misdemeanor

1. A minor crime, punishable by a fine or a light jail term. Common misdemeanors, such as traffic violations, are usually dealt with informally, without a trial. (Compare felony.)

Word History and Origins

Origin of misdemeanor¹

First recorded in 1480–90; mis- ¹ + demeanor

Example Sentences

The man’s attorney presented surveillance footage of the attack to show his client was in fact defending himself, and later requested that the charges be reduced to a misdemeanor.

From Los Angeles Times

They also were charged with making a false police report, a misdemeanor.

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

All four charges against Cutler — which also included failure to exercise due care and violating implied consent — were misdemeanors.

From Los Angeles Times

The state of Georgia considers cruelty to children in the third degree to be a misdemeanor.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• offense 
• transgression 
• violation