Unlawful
/ʌnˈlɔːfəl/
Definitions
Contrary to or forbidden by law; illegal.
/ʌnˈlɔːfəl/
Not conforming to, permitted by, or recognized by law or the rules.
The police arrested the suspect for unlawful entry.
💡 Simply: Imagine there's a rule, like 'no stealing candy.' If you steal the candy, it's unlawful. Basically, doing something that breaks the rules.
👶 For kids: Doing something that the rules say you can't do.
More Examples
It is unlawful to discriminate against someone based on their race.
The company was accused of unlawful business practices.
The demonstration was declared unlawful by the government.
How It's Used
"The court ruled the act unlawful."
"Protests were deemed unlawful by authorities."
Synonyms
From Old English *unlāgful* (not according to law), from *un-* (not) + *lāg* (law) + *-ful* (full of).
The term 'unlawful' has been used in legal texts and literature for centuries, consistently referring to actions that violate established rules or laws.
Memory tip
Think of a *law* that is *un-* (not) followed.