felony
n. countablen. a very serious crime, such as murder or robbery. People who commit these crimes usually face at least one year in prison.
n. a category of serious crime, typically punishable by imprisonment for more than one year or by death. Distinguished from less severe offenses, known as misdemeanors, in common law jurisdictions.
Stealing a car is considered a felony in many places.
The defendant was charged with a felony after the police found evidence of large-scale fraud.
While a misdemeanor might result in a fine or short jail stay, a felony conviction often carries long-term consequences, including the loss of certain civil rights.
From Middle English felony, felonie, from Old French felonie (“evil, immoral deed”), from felon (“evildoer”). Ultimately of Proto-Germanic origin. More at felon. By surface analysis, felon + -y.
Commonly used with verbs like 'commit', 'charge with', or 'convict of'.