Misdemeanor

Pronunciation

• Hyphenation: mis + de + mean + or

Alternative forms

• misdemeanour UK

Origin

- + demeanor

Mis (prefix) against, opposing and 'demeanor'. See 'demeanor' for further explanation.

Full definition of misdemeanor

Noun

1. (legal) A crime usually punishable upon conviction by a small fine or by a short term of imprisonment. Crimes which are punishable by large fines or by longer imprisonment are usually called felonies.

Synonyms

• petty crime