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- Dictionaryillegal/ɪˈliːɡl/
adjective
- 1. contrary to or forbidden by law, especially criminal law: "illegal drugs" Similar Opposite
noun
- 1. a person living in a country without official authorization. derogatory North American
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an offensive word for someone who lives or works in another country when they do not have the legal right to do this: He said ID cards would make it easier to deport illegals. Synonym. illegal immigrant. SMART Vocabulary: related words and phrases.
The meaning of ILLEGAL is not according to or authorized by law : unlawful, illicit; also : not sanctioned by official rules (as of a game). How to use illegal in a sentence.
Illegal refers most specifically to violations of statutes or, in organized athletics, codified rules: an illegal seizure of property; an illegal block ( in football ). Unlawful means not sanctioned by or according to law: an unlawful claim to the inheritance; to take unlawful advantage of the trading situation.
Something illegal is against the law or breaks the rules. If you're reading this in jail, you've probably done something illegal, and if you're not in jail, there's plenty of time to obey the law. You can use the adjective illegal to describe breaking the rules, as when you head
adjective. /ɪˈliːɡl/ not allowed by the law. illegal drugs/firearms/substances. She promised to crack down on illegal immigration. illegal immigrants/aliens. His illegal activities landed him in jail several times. illegal mining/fishing/gambling. These proposals are unethical and possibly illegal.
illegal refers most specifically to violations of statutes or, in organized athletics, codified rules: an illegal seizure of property; an illegal block (in football).
not allowed by law: illegal drugs / weapons. [ + to do sth ] It is illegal to sell cigarettes to anyone under 16. Fewer examples. the illegal practice of copying CDs. the illegal purchase of guns. Both men admitted taking illegal drugs. It's illegal to buy alcohol until you're 21 in many states.
There are six meanings listed in OED's entry for the word illegal, one of which is considered offensive. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.
Definition of illegal adjective in Oxford Advanced American Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.
1. forbidden by law; unlawful; illicit. 2. unauthorized or prohibited by a code of official or accepted rules. n. a person who has entered or attempted to enter a country illegally. ilˈlegally adv.
