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 The minimum sentence for falsifying business records in the first degree is zero, so Trump could receive probation or conditional discharge, a sentence of no jail or up to four years for each offense. —

Caitlin Yilek, CBS News, 31 May 2024 Turman’s criminal history includes state felony convictions for possession of a weapon in a motor vehicle in 2005, and robbery in the first degree in 2006, according to court records. —

Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 9 Aug. 2024 Gray and Miller both face charges of armed felony murder in the first degree in connection with Teklemariam's death. —

Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 10 July 2024 Someone fitting that description of a 78-year-old first time offender, convicted of falsifying business records in the first degree would generally not be locked up. —

New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 3 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for in the first degree

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'in the first degree.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Dictionary Entries Near in the first degree

in the firing line

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in the (first) flush of

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“In the first degree.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/in%20the%20first%20degree. Accessed 18 Sep. 2024.

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