felony Definition
a serious crime that is punishable by imprisonment for more than one year or by death.
Using felony: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "felony" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
He was convicted of a felony and sentenced to ten years in prison.
Example
Theft, murder, and rape are all examples of felonies.
Example
Committing a felony can have serious consequences on one's future prospects.
felony Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for felony
Phrases with felony
white-collar felony
a non-violent crime committed by someone in a position of trust or authority, typically involving financial gain
Example
Embezzlement is an example of a white-collar felony.
felony murder
a legal doctrine that allows a person to be charged with murder if they commit a felony that results in someone's death, even if they did not intend to kill anyone
Example
If a person robs a bank and someone dies during the robbery, they can be charged with felony murder.
capital felony
a felony that is punishable by death
Example
Murder is an example of a capital felony in some states.
Origins of felony
from Old French 'felonie', from Latin 'felonia', meaning 'treachery'
Summary: felony in Brief
The term 'felony' [ˈfeləni] refers to a serious crime that carries a punishment of imprisonment for more than one year or death. Examples of felonies include theft, murder, and rape. The phrase 'white-collar felony' denotes non-violent crimes committed by people in positions of trust or authority, while 'felony murder' is a legal doctrine that holds people responsible for deaths that occur during the commission of a felony.
