Lawless
/ˈlɔːləs/
Definitions
Not controlled or ruled by law; disregarding the law.
/ˈlɔːləs/
Without laws or order; disregarding the law.
The lawless gang terrorized the town.
💡 Simply: Imagine a wild west town where everyone does whatever they want, no police, no rules. That's lawless! Like, 'The pirates created a lawless zone on the high seas.'
👶 For kids: It means there are no rules, and people can do whatever they want. Like a playground when the teacher isn't watching!
More Examples
The lawless behavior of the protesters led to arrests.
A lawless society cannot function effectively.
How It's Used
"The lawless state of affairs in the region made it difficult to provide aid."
"The lawless frontier was a haven for outlaws and criminals."
From Middle English *lawles*, equivalent to "law" + "-less". The suffix "-less" indicates the absence of something.
Used since the 14th century to describe a state of lacking laws or defying them. Often used in descriptions of times of social unrest or areas outside governmental control.
Memory tip
Think of a place with NO laws!