SportsAugust 16, 2026

misdemeanor

mis-duh-MEE-nur

Definition

A minor wrongdoing or a criminal offense that is less serious than a felony.

Etymology

Derived from the Middle English 'misdemenure,' it combines the prefix 'mis-' (wrongly) with 'demean' (to behave). It originally referred to any misconduct before evolving into a specific legal term for a less serious crime.

In the news

The article uses the term to describe the criminal charges against Dontay Joyner, whose resulting arrest and plea led to his departure from the Maryland football program.

Maryland Football positional rankings: The cornerbacks have talent, but can they overcome Joyner's exit?

Read the full article ↗

247Sports

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