misdemeanor
Translation
misdemeanour, minor offence
Examples
Shoplifting is often considered a misdemeanor.
Shoplifting is often considered a misdemeanour.
He was charged with a misdemeanor for trespassing.
He was charged with a misdemeanour for trespassing.
Grammar Patterns
a misdemeanor a minor crime Shoplifting is often considered a misdemeanor.
Similar Words
Synonyms: minor offence, infraction, violation; Antonyms: felony
Etymology
From the prefix 'mis-' (wrongly, badly) and 'demeanor' (behaviour). It literally means 'bad behaviour'.
Memory Tips
Think of 'mis-' as in 'mistake' and 'demeanor' as 'behaviour'. A misdemeanor is a 'mistake in behaviour' that is a minor crime.