noun
felon
FEL-un/ˈfelən/
A person convicted of a serious crime.
The felon stands beside his lawyer as the judge pronounces sentence.
Etymology
The older meaning was broadly an evil-doer, traitor, or scoundrel. Its legal use narrowed this to someone guilty of a felony; the Latin ancestor’s deeper origin remains uncertain.
In context
Authorities also confirmed that Griffin was a convicted felon and was legally barred from possessing a firearm at the time of the shootings.
More examples
- The program helped former felons find work.
- The report discusses the rights of a convicted felon.
- She interviewed a felon after his release.
Forms
felon · felons