misdemeanour Definition
a minor wrongdoing; a non-indictable offense.
Using misdemeanour: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "misdemeanour" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
He was charged with a misdemeanor for driving under the influence.
Example
The school's policy considers cheating a misdemeanor.
Example
The judge sentenced him to six months in jail for his misdemeanor.
misdemeanour Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for misdemeanour
Phrases with misdemeanour
a minor offense that is punishable by a fine or short-term imprisonment
Example
The court found him guilty of petty misdemeanors and ordered him to pay a fine.
gross misdemeanor
a serious offense that is punishable by a fine or imprisonment for up to one year
Example
The defendant was charged with gross misdemeanors, including assault and battery.
a criminal offense that is less serious than a felony and is punishable by a fine or imprisonment for up to one year
Example
The state law defines criminal misdemeanors as offenses that are punishable by a fine or imprisonment for up to one year.
Origins of misdemeanour
from Old French 'mesdémeanour', meaning 'misconduct'
Summary: misdemeanour in Brief
'Misdemeanor' [ˌmɪsdɪˈmiːnə(r)] refers to minor wrongdoings or non-indictable offenses. It can include offenses such as driving under the influence or cheating. The term extends into phrases like 'petty misdemeanor,' 'gross misdemeanor,' and 'criminal misdemeanor,' which denote different levels of seriousness. 'Misdemeanor' is a formal term that can be used interchangeably with 'offense' or 'misconduct.'