felony

Pronunciation: /ˈfeləni/ (American English)

Origin: From Old French "felonie" (wickedness, evil deed), ultimately from Latin "fell" (gall, poison)

Part of Speech: noun

Meanings:

1. A serious crime, typically involving violence, regarded as more severe than a misdemeanor and usually punishable by imprisonment for more than one year or by death.
2. (Historical) A crime that resulted in the forfeiture of a feudal tenant's land or property.

Example Sentences:

1. The defendant was charged with multiple felonies, including armed robbery and assault.
2. Committing a felony can have long-lasting consequences on a person's life, affecting job prospects and voting rights.

Related Words:

• Adjective: felonious
• Adverb: feloniously
• Synonyms: crime, offense, wrongdoing, transgression
• Antonyms: misdemeanor, infraction, petty crime

Memorization Trick: Think "FEL-ony" as "FAIL-ony" – a major FAIL in following the law, resulting in severe consequences.