misdemeanor

/ˌˈmɪsdəˌˈminər/

/ˈmɪsdɪminə/

Other forms: misdemeanors

A misdemeanor is a minor offense, rather than a serious crime. A minor infraction like keeping a library book for years or stealing a pack of bubblegum would be considered a misdemeanor.

A crime like murder is serious, a felony that can land the person who commits it in jail for a long time. A misdemeanor, on the other hand, is a far less serious offense. Commit a misdemeanor such as petty theft, and you might not get more than a slap on the wrist.

Definitions of misdemeanor

1. noun

   a crime less serious than a felony
   synonyms: infraction, infringement, misdemeanour, violation

   types:

   breach of the peace, disorderly behavior, disorderly conduct, disturbance of the peace

   any act of molesting, interrupting, hindering, agitating, or arousing from a state of repose or otherwise depriving inhabitants of the peace and quiet to which they are entitled

   false pretence, false pretense

   (law) an offense involving intent to defraud and false representation and obtaining property as a result of that misrepresentation

   indecent exposure, public nudity

   vulgar and offensive nakedness in a public place

   bearing false witness, lying under oath, perjury

   criminal offense of making false statements under oath

   sedition

   an illegal action inciting resistance to lawful authority and tending to cause the disruption or overthrow of the government

   type of:

   crime, criminal offence, criminal offense, law-breaking, offence, offense

   (criminal law) an act punishable by law; usually considered an evil act