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
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 theAbigail Van BurenMy mother put me through the third degree. Questions—questions—questions. She's driving me nuts!—Judy Blume
Judy BlumeShould 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
Jeff Foxworthy2
US
: the level of a crime that is less than second degree and warrants less severe punishment
third-de·gree
ˈthərd-di-ˈgrē 
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
David Faris, Newsweek, 2 Nov. 2024
At a press conference in early September, China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said exceptions will be made for adopting children or stepchildren of blood relatives in China, up to the third degree of kinship.
—Maya Cederlund, NBC News, 18 Oct. 2024
Lauren Penington, The Denver Post, 14 Nov. 2024
Reckless homicide is a third-degree felony and is punishable by up to 36 months in prison.
—Eric Levenson, CNN, 3 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for third degree 
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Noun
As well as being charged with a third degree felony, Bryson's baby allegedly tested positive for drugs taken by Bryson during her pregnancy.
—David Faris, Newsweek, 2 Nov. 2024
At a press conference in early September, China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said exceptions will be made for adopting children or stepchildren of blood relatives in China, up to the third degree of kinship.
—Maya Cederlund, NBC News, 18 Oct. 2024
Adjective
Stephen Geer, 43, was charged with one count of vehicular homicide – DUI, two counts of vehicular assault – DUI, one count of third-degree assault and one count of driving under the influence.
—Lauren Penington, The Denver Post, 14 Nov. 2024
Reckless homicide is a third-degree felony and is punishable by up to 36 months in prison.
—Eric Levenson, CNN, 3 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for third degree
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Cite this Entry
“Third degree.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/third%20degree. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationMedical 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
Emergency Medicine ReportsLove words? Need even more definitions?
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