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Illicitness: meaning, definitions and examples

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illicitness

 

[ ɪˈlɪsɪtnəs ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

illegal activity

Illicitness refers to the quality of being illegal or forbidden by law. It encompasses various activities that are prohibited due to moral, ethical, or legal standards. The term often pertains to activities that are socially unacceptable or harmful.

Synonyms

illegality, prohibition, unlawfulness, wrongdoing

Examples of usage

  • The illicitness of drug trafficking is a major concern for law enforcement.
  • Their actions were characterized by a sense of illicitness and secrecy.
  • The government has strict laws to combat the illicitness of human trafficking.
  • Illicitness in financial transactions can lead to severe penalties.

Etymology

The word 'illicitness' originates from the adjective 'illicit,' which comes from the Latin term 'illicitus.' This Latin word is a combination of the prefix 'in-' meaning 'not,' and 'licitus,' which means 'permitted' or 'lawful.' The transformation into English occurred during the late Middle Ages, evolving into the term we use today to describe anything that is not lawful or is forbidden by law. The concept of illicitness has been associated with various illegal activities throughout history, including trade in prohibited goods and moral transgressions. The usage of 'illicit' and its noun form 'illicitness' gained prominence particularly in legal and social discussions surrounding crime, ethics, and societal norms. As societies evolved, so did the understanding and implications of what constitutes illicit behavior, making the term relevant in contemporary discourse on law and morality.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #42,764, this word is among the least frequently used in common English. Understanding it can be beneficial for comprehensive language mastery, but it's not essential for most learners.