illegal

[ih-lee-guhl]

adjective

1. forbidden by law or statute.

   Synonyms: unlicensed, illicit, illegitimate, unlawful

2. contrary to or forbidden by official rules, regulations, etc..

   The referee ruled that it was an illegal forward pass.

noun

1. Informal: Disparaging and Offensive.,  illegal alien.

illegal

/ ɪˈliːɡəl /

adjective

1. forbidden by law; unlawful; illicit

2. unauthorized or prohibited by a code of official or accepted rules

noun

1. a person who has entered or attempted to enter a country illegally

Sensitive Note

See illegal alien.

Other Word Forms

• illegally adverb
• illegality noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of illegal¹

From the Medieval Latin word illēgālis, dating back to 1620–30. See il- ², legal

Synonym Study

Illegal, unlawful, illegitimate, illicit, criminal can all describe actions not in accord with law. 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. Illegitimate means lacking legal or traditional right or rights: an illegitimate child; illegitimate use of privileged knowledge. Illicit, which originally meant simply “not permitted,” now most often applies to matters regulated by law with specific emphasis on the way things are carried out: illicit conversion of property; an illicit attempt to control the market. Criminal most often refers to violation of the statutes of penal as opposed to civil law. All felonies are criminal as are all crimes sometimes punishable by death such as murder, arson, and kidnapping: a criminal act.

Example Sentences

Shockingly, however, tonka beans are illegal in the United States.

From Salon

The 39-year-old woman appeared in court on Thursday, facing charges of illegal possession of human tissues.

From BBC

Vance has said the government will “go after the NGO network that foments, facilitates and engages in violence,” in a reference to nonprofits he alleges are supporting illegal activities.

From Salon

In its statement, it said that it categorically rejects allegations of wrongdoing or possible illegal practices.

From BBC

Even his remarks about illegal immigration, while headline making, seem to have less impact in this the second half of the first year of his second term.

From BBC

Related Words

• banned www.thesaurus.com
• criminal 
• illegitimate 
• illicit 
• irregular 
• outlawed www.thesaurus.com
• prohibited 
• smuggled www.thesaurus.com
• unauthorized 
• unconstitutional 
• unlawful 
• unlicensed 
• unwarranted 
• wrongful