illegal

il-le-gal · adjective

imported

Definitions

adjective

  1. 1.

    Contrary to or forbidden by law; not legal.

  2. 2.

    Not authorized or sanctioned by official rules.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    illegal alien — a person residing in a country without legal authorization (term considered offensive by some)
  • •
    illegal immigrant — a person who enters or resides in a country unlawfully

Related words

Antonyms: lawful, legal, legitimate
See also: crime, illegally, legal, unlawful
Synonyms: criminal, illicit, prohibited, unlawful

Etymology

From Medieval Latin illegalis, from Latin in- ("not") + legalis ("legal"), from lex ("law").