a serious crime (such as murder or arson)
"The suspect was charged with a felony after his house broke out in flames due to negligence."
A serious criminal offense, which, under United States federal law, is punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year or by death.
"The defendant was charged with a felony after being convicted of armed robbery, facing potential prison time exceeding one year."
In plain English: A felony is a very serious crime that usually carries a heavy prison sentence if you are caught doing it.
"The lawyer explained that his client faced ten years in prison for committing a felony."
Usage: Use felony to describe the most severe category of crimes in the U.S., such as murder or armed robbery, rather than minor infractions like traffic violations. This legal distinction determines whether an offense carries potential prison sentences longer than one year and often involves more rigorous prosecution procedures.
The word "felony" comes from the Old French term for an evil or immoral deed and originally referred to a serious crime committed by a wrongdoer. It entered English through Middle English, carrying with it its original sense of grave wrongdoing rather than just describing the person who did it.