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
Reilly, a federally licensed firearms dealer, has been charged with assault in the first degree, the criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree, and the criminal possession of a firearm, according to police.
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Karina Tsui, CNN Money, 7 May 2025
Reilly was charged with three felonies, including assault in the first degree, criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree, and criminal possession of a firearm, the New York State Police said.
—Saleen Martin, USA Today, 6 May 2025
On Monday, April 7, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg, Jr. announced Horace was charged with two counts of hindering prosecution in the first degree and one count of tampering with physical evidence.
—Angel Saunders, People.com, 8 Apr. 2025
The 15-year-old stabbing suspect was taken into custody and also is charged with assault and reckless endangerment, both in the first degree.
—Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 31 Mar. 2025
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Karina Tsui, CNN Money, 7 May 2025
Reilly was charged with three felonies, including assault in the first degree, criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree, and criminal possession of a firearm, the New York State Police said.
—Saleen Martin, USA Today, 6 May 2025
On Monday, April 7, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg, Jr. announced Horace was charged with two counts of hindering prosecution in the first degree and one count of tampering with physical evidence.
—Angel Saunders, People.com, 8 Apr. 2025
The 15-year-old stabbing suspect was taken into custody and also is charged with assault and reckless endangerment, both in the first degree.
—Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 31 Mar. 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 4 Jun. 2025.
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