1
a
: the subjection of a prisoner to mental or physical torture to extract a confession
In its ruling the Court also criticized contemporary interrogation practices, finding in effect that a psychological third degree had replaced the physical third degree.—Edwin Dobb
b
: a long and intense period of questioning
I don't know what kind of first dates you are having, but it might benefit you to make them more casual … so a conversation won't become a third degree.—Abigail Van Buren
—usually used with theMy mother put me through the third degree. Questions—questions—questions. She's driving me nuts!—Judy Blume
Should anyone give you the third degree on your return to work, don't hesitate to become indignant and stomp out of the room.—Jeff Foxworthy
2
US
: the level of a crime that is less than second degree and warrants less severe punishment
third-de·gree
ˈthərd-di-ˈgrē
1
US, of a crime
: of a level of seriousness that is less than second-degree : warranting punishment but less severe punishment than that for a second-degree crime
2
: causing or characterized by a severe level of injury
a third-degree concussion
see also third-degree burn
Cite this Entry
“Third degree.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/third%20degree. Accessed 25 Jul. 2026.
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