Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Contrary to or forbidden by law: Describes an action, substance, or situation that is not permitted by the formal statutes or regulations of a country or jurisdiction.
   • Not authorized or sanctioned by official rules: Describes something that violates the established rules of a particular system, organization, or activity, such as a sport or game.

Examples of Usage

• Adjective:
  • The police arrested him for illegal activities.
  • It is illegal to park in front of a fire hydrant.
  • The referee called an illegal block during the football game.

Advanced Usage

• "illegal alien": A term (now often considered outdated or offensive; "undocumented immigrant" is preferred in many contexts) for a foreign national who is residing in a country without legal authorization.
  • The new policy addressed the status of illegal aliens.
• "deemed illegal": Considered or judged to be against the law.
  • The court deemed the contract illegal and void.

Variants and Related Words

• Illegality (noun): The state or condition of being illegal.
  • The illegality of the act was never in question.
• Illegally (adverb): In a manner that is against the law.
  • He entered the country illegally.

Synonyms

• Unlawful: Not conforming to, permitted by, or recognized by law or rules.
• Illicit: Forbidden by law, rules, or custom.
• Criminal: Involving or related to crime.

Antonyms

• Legal: Permitted by law.
• Lawful: Conforming to, permitted by, or recognized by law.
• Legitimate: Conforming to the law or to rules.

Related Phrases

• "Illegal substance": A drug whose possession or use is prohibited by law.
  • The truck was found to be carrying illegal substances.
• "Illegal immigrant": (See note under "Advanced Usage") A person who has entered a country without official authorization.
  • The debate focused on the rights of illegal immigrants.

Adjective

1. prohibited by law or by official or accepted rules
   • an illegal chess move