Lese is a French term meaning 'high treason' and is punishable by death. It is considered the most serious crime against the state and is often associated with the crime of lèse-majeste, which means 'injury to majesty'. This term is used to describe any act that insults or shows disrespect to a reigning monarch or their authority. In some countries, lèse-majeste is still a crime punishable by imprisonment or even death.