Illegal: meaning, definitions and examples

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illegal

 

[ ɪˈliːɡ(ə)l ]

Context #1

activities

Contrary to or forbidden by law, especially criminal law.

Synonyms

criminal, illicit, unlawful

Examples of usage

  • His actions were illegal and could result in severe consequences.
  • She was arrested for her illegal activities.
  • The company was fined for illegal business practices.
Context #2

immigration

A person who has entered a country in violation of the law.

Synonyms

illegal alien, undocumented immigrant

Examples of usage

  • The border patrol caught several illegals trying to cross the border.
  • The government is cracking down on illegals living in the country.

Translations

Translations of the word "illegal" in other languages:

🇵🇹 ilegal

🇮🇳 अवैध

🇩🇪 illegal

🇮🇩 ilegal

🇺🇦 незаконний

🇵🇱 nielegalny

🇯🇵 違法

🇫🇷 illégal

🇪🇸 ilegal

🇹🇷 yasadışı

🇰🇷 불법

🇸🇦 غير قانوني

🇨🇿 nelegální

🇸🇰 nelegálny

🇨🇳 非法

🇸🇮 nezakonit

🇮🇸 ólöglegt

🇰🇿 заңсыз

🇬🇪 უკანონო

🇦🇿 qanunsuz

🇲🇽 ilegal

Word origin

The word 'illegal' originated from the Latin word 'illegalis', which means 'not according to law'. The term has been used for centuries to describe actions or individuals that violate laws. In modern times, the term is commonly used in legal contexts to refer to activities or people that are contrary to the law of a particular jurisdiction.

See also: illegally, legalist, legalistic, legality, legally.