third degree

1 of 2

noun

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 the
My 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-degree

2 of 2

adjective

third-de·​gree ˈthərd-di-ˈgrē How to pronounce third-degree (audio)
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

Examples of third degree in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
He was found not guilty of misdemeanor assault in the third degree with intent to cause physical injury and misdemeanor aggravated harassment in the second degree. Jen Juneau, People.com, 12 Feb. 2025 The Famous Monsters Festival is set to be one of Majors’ first celebrity appearances outside of accompanying Meagan Good to various events since he was convicted of reckless assault in the third degree and harassment in December 2023. Demicia Inman, VIBE.com, 11 Sep. 2024
Adjective
He was arrested on charges of sixth-degree larceny, third-degree assault, disorderly conduct and second-degree reckless endangerment. Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 14 Feb. 2025 In April 2021, a jury convicted Chauvin of second-degree murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter in Floyd’s death. Katie Smith, USA TODAY, 13 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for third degree

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1865, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Adjective

1893, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of third degree was in 1865

Browse Nearby Entries

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Third degree.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/third%20degree. Accessed 27 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

third degree

noun
: brutal treatment of a prisoner by the police in order to get a confession

Medical Definition

third-degree

adjective
: causing or characterized by a severe level of injury
Third-degree frostbite involves skin and deeper subcutaneous tissues, resulting in the formation of hemorrhagic blisters as well as skin necrosis with permanent nerve damage.Emergency Medicine Reports
see also third-degree burn compare first-degree, second-degree

Legal Definition

third degree

noun
: the grade given to the third most serious forms of crimes
third-degree adjective
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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