Law: meaning, definitions and examples

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law

[ lɔː ]

^{Context #1}

legal system

The system of rules that a particular country or community recognizes as regulating the actions of its members and may enforce by the imposition of penalties.

Synonyms

legislation, regulation, statute

Examples of usage

He has broken the law and will be punished accordingly.
The new law aims to protect the rights of citizens.

^{Context #2}

a rule or set of rules

A rule that is created by a government or other authority and that has to be obeyed.

Synonyms

regulation, rule, statute

Examples of usage

It's against the law to drink and drive.
The company must comply with the environmental laws.

^{Context #3}

branch of knowledge

The system of rules that a particular country or community recognizes as regulating the actions of its members and may enforce by the imposition of penalties.

Synonyms

jurisprudence, legal science, legal studies

Examples of usage

He studied law at university.
She is an expert in international law.

Translations

Translations of the word "law" in other languages:

🇵🇹 lei

🇮🇳 कानून

🇩🇪 Gesetz

🇮🇩 hukum

🇺🇦 закон

🇵🇱 prawo

🇯🇵 法律 (ほうりつ)

🇫🇷 loi

🇪🇸 ley

🇹🇷 kanun

🇰🇷 법 (beop)

🇸🇦 قانون

🇨🇿 zákon

🇸🇰 zákon

🇨🇳 法律 (fǎlǜ)

🇸🇮 zakon

🇮🇸 lög

🇰🇿 заң

🇬🇪 კანონი

🇦🇿 qanun

🇲🇽 ley

Word origin

The word 'law' originates from the Old English 'lagu', which means 'a rule or set of rules' established by authority and applicable to all members of a state or organization. The concept of law has evolved over centuries, shaping societies and governing human behavior. From ancient legal codes like the Code of Hammurabi to modern legal systems, the idea of law has been central to maintaining order and justice in human societies.