Illicit
/ɪˈlɪsɪt/
Definitions
2 meaningsForbidden by law, rules, or custom; not permitted; unlawful.
/ɪˈlɪsɪt/
Not allowed by law or custom; forbidden.
The company was involved in illicit trade.
💡 Simply: Imagine a secret club with rules. If something breaks the rules, it's illicit. Like sneaking candy before dinner – the rule says no, so it's illicit!
👶 For kids: If something is illicit, it's a big NO from the grown-ups! It means it's against the rules.
More Examples
They were accused of illicit drug use.
The police cracked down on illicit gambling dens.
His illicit relationship caused a scandal.
How It's Used
"The investigation uncovered evidence of illicit activities within the company."
"They were accused of having an illicit affair."
Not conforming to accepted standards of behavior or morals; improper.
/ɪˈlɪsɪt/
Not sanctioned by established customs or manners.
The newspaper exposed the illicit dealings of the politician.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're trying to be a good friend. If you do something that's not nice or breaks a social rule, that's illicit. For example, if someone knows some secret information and can get ahead from it.
👶 For kids: Something that's illicit is not a cool thing to do. It is not the right thing to do, because everyone else would not do it!
More Examples
The scandal revealed their illicit affair.
The film portrayed the illicit relationship between the two characters.
There was a hidden illicit market where all of those things were sold.
How It's Used
"Their illicit romance was a scandal to the close-knit community."
"The novel described the illicit behavior of some aristocrats."
Synonyms
From Latin *illicitus* ('not allowed, unlawful'), from *in-* ('not') + *licitus* ('lawful, permitted').
The word has been used since the 16th century to describe actions that are against the law or are improper.
Memory tip
Think of the word 'illegal' which is close in meaning and start with the same sound. Illicit means not legal.