Illicit: meaning, definitions and examples

Use when referring to actions or items that are socially or morally wrong, often associated with secrecy. It often has a negative connotation.

• He was caught with illicit drugs.
• Their illicit affair was the talk of the town.

Use to describe actions or activities that are against the law. It directly references a breach of legal rules.

• Downloading pirated movies is illegal.
• He was arrested for illegal parking.

Use when describing actions that are against the law but can also hint at civil wrongdoings, not just criminal acts.

• The company was accused of unlawful discrimination.
• Unlawful entry into a property is a serious crime.

Use to describe something that is explicitly not allowed, typically by a rule or law. It often implies a strong prohibition.

• Entering the restricted area is forbidden.
• Smoking is forbidden in all public places.

Use in formal or official contexts where something is restricted by law or authority. It is similar to 'forbidden' but more formal.

• The use of mobile phones is prohibited during the exam.
• Alcohol is prohibited on these premises.

Used again to describe activities or items that are illegal or forbidden by law.

• The detective uncovered an illicit relationship between the suspect and a known criminal.
• Illicit trade in wildlife poses a serious threat to many species.

Describes something that is kept hidden from general knowledge to avoid being known or seen; it's broader and can be used in both positive and negative contexts.

• They planned a secret surprise party for her birthday.
• He kept his feelings a secret from everyone.

Used when something is done in secret, usually because it is illegal or disapproved of.

• They held clandestine meetings in the basement.
• The spy was involved in a clandestine operation.

Refers to actions or activities that are hidden or secret, usually to avoid detection.

• The government carried out a covert mission to gather intelligence.
• His covert attempts to sabotage the project were eventually discovered.

Describes something that is kept out of sight or not easily found, not necessarily with a negative connotation.

• She found the hidden treasure in the garden.
• The hidden compartment in the desk was used to store valuable documents.