felony
n.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.”
Commonly used with verbs like 'commit', 'charge with', or 'convict of'.
“Two draft laws would establish three new felonies under California state law, punishable by up to four years in prison.”
“Noncitizen voting has been shown to be rare, and is a felony that can be punishable by deportation.”
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.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.