in the first degree
idiom
: of the most serious type : deserving the harshest punishment
She was accused of murder in the first degree.
Examples of in the first degree in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Campbell is serving a 32-year prison sentence for causing the infant's injuries after pleading no contest in 2010 to battery in the first degree.
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Arkansas Online, 25 Aug. 2025
Geter-Pataky appeared briefly in Bridgeport Superior Court on Friday and was charged with one count of violation of conditions of release in the first degree.
—Dave Altimari, Hartford Courant, 16 Aug. 2025
Two days after Shanann, Bella and Celeste were reported missing, Chris was arrested and charged with three counts of murder in the first degree and three counts of tampering with physical evidence.
—Emily Blackwood, People.com, 13 Aug. 2025
Donald was arrested later that day and charged with burglary, aggravated criminal contempt, criminal contempt in the first degree and possession of a weapon.
—Matt Lavietes, NBC news, 11 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for in the first degree
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Arkansas Online, 25 Aug. 2025
Geter-Pataky appeared briefly in Bridgeport Superior Court on Friday and was charged with one count of violation of conditions of release in the first degree.
—Dave Altimari, Hartford Courant, 16 Aug. 2025
Two days after Shanann, Bella and Celeste were reported missing, Chris was arrested and charged with three counts of murder in the first degree and three counts of tampering with physical evidence.
—Emily Blackwood, People.com, 13 Aug. 2025
Donald was arrested later that day and charged with burglary, aggravated criminal contempt, criminal contempt in the first degree and possession of a weapon.
—Matt Lavietes, NBC news, 11 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for in the first degree
Cite this Entry
“In the first degree.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/in%20the%20first%20degree. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
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