Illegal
/ɪˈliːɡəl/
Definitions
Against the law; forbidden by law.
/ɪˈliːɡəl/
Against the law
It is illegal to park in a no-parking zone.
💡 Simply: Something is illegal if it breaks the rules or the law. Like, it's illegal to steal cookies from the cookie jar without asking!
👶 For kids: Something that is illegal is against the rules or the law. You can't do it because it's not allowed!
More Examples
The company was accused of illegal dumping of toxic waste.
Possession of certain drugs is illegal in many countries.
How It's Used
"It is illegal to drive without a license."
"The company was accused of illegal business practices."
"The government declared the protests illegal."
Idioms & expressions
illegal alien
A person who is in a country without legal permission.
"The government is debating policies concerning illegal aliens."
From Late Latin *illegalis*, from *in-* (not) + *legalis* (legal), from *lex* (law).
The word 'illegal' has been used since the 16th century, reflecting evolving legal concepts.
Memory tip
Think of the opposite of LEGAL. ILLEGAL things break the rules.