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ILLEGAL definition: 1. not allowed by law: 2. not allowed by the rules of a sport: 3. an offensive word for someone…. Learn more.
The meaning of ILLEGAL is not according to or authorized by law : unlawful, illicit; also : not sanctioned by official rules (as of a game). How to use illegal in a sentence.
Illegal refers most specifically to violations of statutes or, in organized athletics, codified rules: an illegal seizure of property; an illegal block ( in football ). Unlawful means not sanctioned by or according to law: an unlawful claim to the inheritance; to take unlawful advantage of the trading situation.
There is a wide range of things called illegal, from small acts to big ones, but no matter the seriousness, if it is against the law, it is illegal. This adjective also describes people who enter countries without official government approval, they are called "illegal immigrants" or "illegal aliens."
illegal refers to violation of statutes or, in games, codified rules: an illegal seizure of property; an illegal block in football. unlawful is a broader term that may refer to lack of conformity with any set of laws or precepts, whether natural, moral, or traditional: an unlawful transaction.
Definition of illegal adjective in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.
illegal, unlawful, illegitimate, illicit, criminal can all describe actions not in accord with law. illegal refers most specifically to violations of statutes or, in organized athletics, codified rules: an illegal seizure of property; an illegal block (in football).
Noun. Filter. adjective. Prohibited by law; against the law; unlawful; illicit. Webster's New World. Similar definitions. Not authorized or sanctioned, as by rules. Webster's New World. Similar definitions. Unacceptable to or not performable by a computer. An illegal operation. American Heritage.
not allowed by law: illegal drugs / weapons. [ + to do sth ] It is illegal to sell cigarettes to anyone under 16. Fewer examples. the illegal practice of copying CDs. the illegal purchase of guns. Both men admitted taking illegal drugs. It's illegal to buy alcohol until you're 21 in many states.
What does the word illegal mean? There are six meanings listed in OED's entry for the word illegal, one of which is considered offensive. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence. illegal has developed meanings and uses in subjects including. law (early 1600s) espionage (1960s) See meaning & use.
