How Do You Spell MISPRISION?

Pronunciation: [mɪspɹˈɪʒən] (IPA)

Misprision is a compound word that combines the prefix "mis-" meaning "wrong" and the root word "prison". The correct spelling, according to the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), is /mɪsˈprɪʒən/. It is pronounced as "mis-PRIZ-un". Misprision has several meanings, including the act of neglecting to report or prevent a crime, willful ignorance of a crime, or a mistake. The word is often used in legal contexts, such as in cases of obstruction of justice or perjury.

MISPRISION Meaning and Definition

1. Misprision is a noun that refers to the act of neglecting or omitting to perform one's duty or obligation, particularly in regard to reporting or disclosing a crime or illegal activity. It is derived from the Old French word 'mesprision,' meaning "failure to understand" or "misunderstanding."

   In the legal context, misprision involves knowing about the commission of a felony, yet failing to report it to the appropriate authorities. It can also refer to concealing or withholding knowledge or information related to a felony, either by active participation or by remaining silent. Misprision may incur legal consequences if the individual, whether intentionally or unintentionally, aids or abets the individuals involved in the commission of the crime.

   Misprision can also apply to instances where a person omits or distorts facts, leading to a false impression or misunderstanding. This can occur in a variety of contexts, such as legal proceedings, journalism, or even interpersonal communication.

   In a broader sense, misprision can extend beyond legal and formal contexts to encompass any failure to fulfill one's responsibilities or duties, leading to negative consequences or outcomes. It encompasses the idea of neglecting obligations, whether expressly stated or implied, and implies a level of oversight or negligence.

   Overall, misprision describes the act of neglecting or failing to fulfill one's obligations, particularly in relation to reporting crimes or illegal activities, or in communicating accurate information, in both formal and informal settings.

2. In law, a term applied to all such high offences as are under the degree of capital, but nearly bordering thereon; neglect, negligence, or contempt.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for MISPRISION

• Distprision
• Mispercision
• Resprision

Etymology of MISPRISION

The word "misprision" comes from the Old French term "mesprision", which can be further broken down into two parts: "mes", meaning "wrong" or "bad", and "prision", meaning "action" or "intent". "Misprision" entered the English language in the 14th century, originally referring to an act of neglect or oversight. Over time, its meaning evolved to encompass the concept of deliberate concealment or failure to report a serious offense, especially in English common law.

Plural form of MISPRISION is MISPRISIONS