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
Mangione has been indicted by a Manhattan grand jury on 11 counts, including one count of murder in the first degree and two counts of murder in the second degree, along with other weapon and forgery charges.
—
Kara Scannell, CNN Money, 26 Mar. 2025
The suspect was arrested on a complaint of murder in the first degree.
—Raven Brunner, People.com, 26 Dec. 2024
Last week, Kimberly Sullivan, 56, was charged with assault in the first degree, kidnapping in the second degree, cruelty to persons, unlawful restraint in the first degree and reckless endangerment.
—Charles Trepany, USA TODAY, 18 Mar. 2025
She was arrested and charged with assault in the first degree, kidnapping in the second degree, unlawful restraint in the first degree, cruelty to persons and reckless endangerment in the first degree on March 12.
—Escher Walcott, People.com, 15 Mar. 2025
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Kara Scannell, CNN Money, 26 Mar. 2025
The suspect was arrested on a complaint of murder in the first degree.
—Raven Brunner, People.com, 26 Dec. 2024
Last week, Kimberly Sullivan, 56, was charged with assault in the first degree, kidnapping in the second degree, cruelty to persons, unlawful restraint in the first degree and reckless endangerment.
—Charles Trepany, USA TODAY, 18 Mar. 2025
She was arrested and charged with assault in the first degree, kidnapping in the second degree, unlawful restraint in the first degree, cruelty to persons and reckless endangerment in the first degree on March 12.
—Escher Walcott, People.com, 15 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 19 Apr. 2025.
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