Extralegal: meaning, definitions and examples

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extralegal

 

[ ˌɛkstrəˈliːɡəl ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

legal context

The term 'extralegal' refers to actions or situations that occur outside the framework of established law or legal procedures. It implies that something is not sanctioned or regulated by the law, raising questions about its legitimacy. Extralegal practices can encompass a wide range of activities, from the informal enforcement of rules by non-state actors to measures that might be necessary during emergencies. Understanding extralegal circumstances often requires examining the balance between legality and moral or ethical considerations.

Synonyms

illegitimate, unlawful, unregulated

Examples of usage

  • Extralegal actions may lead to accountability issues.
  • In some cases, extralegal measures may be justified.
  • The group's extralegal activities drew public scrutiny.

Translations

Translations of the word "extralegal" in other languages:

🇵🇹 extralegal

🇮🇳 अवैध

🇩🇪 außerhalb des Gesetzes

🇮🇩 ekstralegal

🇺🇦 поза законом

🇵🇱 poza prawem

🇯🇵 法外の

🇫🇷 extralegal

🇪🇸 extralegal

🇹🇷 yasa dışı

🇰🇷 법 외의

🇸🇦 غير قانوني

🇨🇿 mimo zákon

🇸🇰 mimo zákon

🇨🇳 超法律的

🇸🇮 izvenzakonski

🇮🇸 utan laga

🇰🇿 заңнан тыс

🇬🇪 სანქციონო

🇦🇿 qanunsuz

🇲🇽 extralegal

Etymology

The word 'extralegal' is derived from the Latin prefix 'extra-', meaning 'beyond' or 'outside', and 'legal', which pertains to law. Its roots can be traced back to the early 19th century when legal scholars began to differentiate between actions that were legally sanctioned and those that occurred beyond legal frameworks. Over time, the term has evolved to describe a range of scenarios, from actions taken during political upheaval to local enforcement practices that eschew central authority. In contemporary discussions, 'extralegal' continues to be relevant in debates surrounding human rights, state power, and the rule of law, reflecting ongoing tensions in the relationship between government authority and individual liberties.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #33,544 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.