Cool MateFelony
UK /["/ˈfeləni/"]/US /["/ˈfeləni/"]/
Definition
the act of committing a serious crime such as murder or rape; a crime of this type
In simple words: A serious crime that can lead to a long prison sentence.
Examples
- a charge of felony
- He was charged with felony assault.
- a felony punishable by up to six years in prison
- He was indicted on three felony charges of lying to the grand jury.
Usage notes
Use 'felony' in legal contexts or when discussing serious crimes. Avoid using it casually, as it's a serious term.
Grammar pattern
felony + noun (e.g. felony charge)
Memory hint
Think of 'felony' as 'felon-y' — someone who commits a serious crime.
Collocations
- federal
- serious
- first-degree
- commit
- be punishable by
- be charged with
- charge
- conviction
- offense
Synonyms
- crime
- offense
- transgression
- wrongdoing
- criminal act
Antonyms
- misdemeanor
- infraction
Common mistakes
- Confused with 'misdemeanor', which is a less serious crime.
- Using 'felony' to describe minor wrongdoings.
- Incorrectly assuming all felonies involve violence.