French Conversation · Level 96
60 words
French word
délit
Pronunciation
IPA/deli/
Meaning
- masculine nounoffense
Example
La police enquête sur ce délit.
The police are investigating this offense.
More examples
La victime a signalé un délit de fuite.
The victim reported a hit-and-run offense.
Core concept
An offense that brings police and courts into a case where a fine or prison sentence is possible.
Common phrases
commettre un délit
commit an offense
un délit de fuite
a hit-and-run offense
Similar words
infraction: A broad term for any act that breaks the law.
crime: A serious offense that often carries a heavy penalty.
contravention: A minor legal violation usually punished by a fine or another light penalty.
méfait: A harmful act, sometimes used informally for a minor crime.
Definition in French
Acte interdit par la loi pénale et passible d'une peine (amende ou prison), plus grave qu'une contravention.
Word origin
French inherited délit from Old French delit, which came from Latin delictum and acquired its established legal meaning over time.
Usage tips
- French legal usage distinguishes un délit from une contravention and un crime, with délit occupying the middle category.
Other meanings
- violationnoun
- crimenoun
Opposites
- légalitélegalitynoun