Outlaw: meaning, definitions and examples

Suitable for describing someone who breaks the law, often living outside society's rules, often romanticized or seen as rebellious.

• Robin Hood is a famous outlaw who stole from the rich and gave to the poor.
• The outlaw hid in the mountains to avoid capture.

A general term for someone who commits any type of crime, from minor to severe, often used in legal or formal contexts.

• The criminal was arrested for theft.
• She works in a prison where criminals are rehabilitated.

Refers to someone who is running away to avoid being caught, often after having committed a crime.

• The fugitive was on the run for months before being caught.
• Police are searching for a fugitive who escaped from jail.

Used for someone involved in robbery, especially in a group, often in rural or remote areas.

• The bandits ambushed the travelers on the deserted road.
• Bandit gangs were notorious for their attacks on caravans.

Use when something is made illegal by law, often with a dramatic or historical tone.

• The government decided to outlaw certain harmful chemicals.
• Piracy was outlawed in the 18th century.

Use when something is officially or legally prohibited, often with a specific focus on rules or regulations.

• The city council voted to ban smoking in all public parks.
• The company decided to ban all personal internet use during working hours.

Use when discussing official rules or laws that disallow an action, often with a formal tone.

• The new law will prohibit the sale of alcohol after midnight.
• The regulations prohibit any form of discrimination in the workplace.

Use when an authority figure issues a direct order to prevent someone from doing something, often in personal or social contexts.

• Parents often forbid their children from watching violent movies.
• The teacher forbade the students from using their phones during class.