lese majesty

• Terme juridique désignant le crime d'outrage à la personne ou à la dignité d'un souverain régnant, ou d'atteinte à la dignité du pouvoir d'État. Peut aussi se référer à un crime contre toute autorité suprême ou à un acte de haute trahison.

A legal term referring to the crime of violating the dignity of a reigning sovereign or attacking the dignity of a state authority. It can also refer to an offense against any supreme authority or an act of treason.

1. Crime against a sovereignC2formal

   The offense of violating the dignity or authority of a reigning monarch or head of state.

   Lèse-majesté

   • The nobleman was accused of lese majesty for plotting against the king.
   • In some countries, lese majesty is still a serious crime.
   • The satirical cartoon was considered an act of lese majesty.

2. Insult to authorityC2formal

   An act or statement that shows disrespect or contempt for a person or institution in power.

   Lèse-majesté

   • Criticizing the government in such a harsh manner was seen as lese majesty.
   • The journalist was charged with lese majesty for his article.
   • His comments about the president were considered lese majesty.