illegal
/i'li:gəl/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adjective:
- Contrary to or forbidden by law: Describes an action, substance, or situation that is not permitted by the formal statutes or regulations of a country or jurisdiction.
- Not authorized or sanctioned by official rules: Describes something that violates the established rules of a particular system, organization, or activity, such as a sport or game.
Examples of Usage
- Adjective:
- The police arrested him for illegal activities.
- It is illegal to park in front of a fire hydrant.
- The referee called an illegal block during the football game.
Advanced Usage
- "illegal alien": A term (now often considered outdated or offensive; "undocumented immigrant" is preferred in many contexts) for a foreign national who is residing in a country without legal authorization.
- The new policy addressed the status of illegal aliens.
- "deemed illegal": Considered or judged to be against the law.
- The court deemed the contract illegal and void.
Variants and Related Words
- Illegality (noun): The state or condition of being illegal.
- The illegality of the act was never in question.
- Illegally (adverb): In a manner that is against the law.
- He entered the country illegally.
Synonyms
- Unlawful: Not conforming to, permitted by, or recognized by law or rules.
- Illicit: Forbidden by law, rules, or custom.
- Criminal: Involving or related to crime.
Antonyms
- Legal: Permitted by law.
- Lawful: Conforming to, permitted by, or recognized by law.
- Legitimate: Conforming to the law or to rules.
Related Phrases
- "Illegal substance": A drug whose possession or use is prohibited by law.
- The truck was found to be carrying illegal substances.
- "Illegal immigrant": (See note under "Advanced Usage") A person who has entered a country without official authorization.
- The debate focused on the rights of illegal immigrants.
Adjective
- prohibited by law or by official or accepted rules
- an illegal chess move