first–de·gree 
/ˈfɚstdɪˈgri:/ adjective
always used before a noun /ˈfɚstdɪˈgri:/ adjective 1 US : of the most serious type : deserving the harshest punishment
▪ first-degree murder/theft/arson 2 : of the least harmful or mildest type
▪ He suffered a first-degree burn. — compare second-degree, third-degree
▪ first-degree murder/theft/arson
▪ He suffered a first-degree burn. — compare second-degree, third-degree
