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Outlawed: meaning, definitions and examples

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outlawed

 

[ ˈaʊtˌlɔd ]

Verb / Adjective
Context #1 | Verb

breaking the law

To outlaw something means to make it illegal or prohibited by law.

Synonyms

ban, forbid, prohibit.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
outlawed

Applied when something is made illegal or against the law by an authority, often used for actions, practices, or substances that are declared unlawful.

  • Certain narcotics are outlawed in many countries
  • The government has outlawed hunting in the national park
ban

Used to refer to an official prohibition on something, often through laws or regulations. It can be used for both formal and informal prohibitions.

  • The city council voted to ban smoking in public parks
  • The school banned the use of mobile phones during classes
prohibit

Often used in formal contexts where something is explicitly disallowed, especially under legal or institutional regulations.

  • The new law prohibits the sale of alcohol after midnight
  • Most countries prohibit discrimination based on race, gender, or religion
forbid

Typically used when an authority or individual expresses a strong desire to prevent something from happening. This word can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

  • Parents usually forbid their children from staying out late
  • The company policy forbids employees from sharing confidential information

Examples of usage

  • The government outlawed the use of plastic bags to reduce environmental pollution.
  • Slavery was outlawed in the United States after the Civil War.
Context #2 | Adjective

against the law

Outlawed refers to something that has been made illegal or prohibited by law.

Synonyms

banned, illegal, prohibited.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
outlawed

Often used to describe something that has been made illegal by a law or decree and emphasizes the act of officially declaring it illegal.

  • The ancient practice was outlawed many centuries ago.
  • Using certain chemicals in agriculture has been outlawed.
illegal

Used to describe something that is against the law in general, without necessarily being banned by a specific institution.

  • Driving without a license is illegal.
  • It is illegal to sell alcohol to minors.
prohibited

Often used to indicate that something is forbidden by a rule, law, or authority, and it carries a formal tone.

  • Parking is prohibited in this area.
  • The use of cell phones is prohibited during the meeting.
banned

Typically used in contexts where something is not allowed, often in a specific place or context, such as schools, cities, or countries.

  • Smoking was banned in all public places.
  • That book was banned by the school board.

Examples of usage

  • The organization was involved in outlawed activities such as drug trafficking.
  • The outlawed practice of child labor was strictly prohibited by the government.

Translations

Translations of the word "outlawed" in other languages:

🇵🇹 proibido

🇮🇳 प्रतिबंधित

🇩🇪 verboten

🇮🇩 dilarang

🇺🇦 заборонений

🇵🇱 zakazany

🇯🇵 禁止された

🇫🇷 interdit

🇪🇸 prohibido

🇹🇷 yasaklanmış

🇰🇷 금지된

🇸🇦 محظور

🇨🇿 zakázaný

🇸🇰 zakázaný

🇨🇳 禁止的

🇸🇮 prepovedan

🇮🇸 bannað

🇰🇿 тыйым салынған

🇬🇪 აკრძალული

🇦🇿 qadağan olunmuş

🇲🇽 prohibido

Etymology

The word 'outlawed' originates from the Old English term 'utlagian,' which means 'to put outside the law.' In medieval England, outlaws were individuals who had broken the law and were therefore outside legal protection. Over time, the term evolved to refer to something that is officially prohibited by law.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,508, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.