outlawed
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Adjective: 1. Declared illegal or prohibited by law; made unlawful by official decree or statute. Refers to a person, group, or activity that has been formally banned or stripped of legal protection. 2. Treated as a criminal or outside the protection of the law. Historically, this could refer to a person declared an 'outlaw'.
Usage
The adjective outlawed describes something that was once permitted but has been explicitly and formally made illegal by a governing authority. It emphasizes the action of prohibition. * It is typically used attributively (before a noun) or predicatively (after a linking verb like 'was' or 'is'). * It often carries a connotation of strong official disapproval and societal rejection.
Examples
- The outlawed organization continued its activities in secret. (The organization was formally banned.)
- Possession of the substance was outlawed last year. (The act of possession was made illegal by law.)
- In some regions, the traditional practice was outlawed by colonial authorities. (The practice was prohibited by official decree.)
Advanced Usage
- "to be outlawed": This passive construction is common and highlights the action of the authority doing the banning.
- The sport was outlawed due to its extreme danger.
- Used in historical or legal contexts to describe the status of a person.
- The bandit was declared an outlawed man, meaning he could be captured or killed by anyone.
Variants and Related Words
- Outlaw (noun): A person who has broken the law, especially one who remains a fugitive or lives outside the law.
- Outlaw (verb): To officially make something illegal.
- Outlawry (noun): The historical process or state of being declared an outlaw; the condition of being outside the protection of the law.
Synonyms
- Illegal: Forbidden by law. (More general; outlawed implies a specific act of prohibition.)
- Illicit: Forbidden by law, rules, or custom. (Often implies secrecy or immorality.)
- Unlawful: Not conforming to, permitted by, or recognized by law. (Broad synonym, often used in legal language.)
- Prohibited: Formally forbidden by authority, law, or rule.
- Banned: Officially or legally prohibited.
Antonyms
- Legal: Permitted by law.
- Lawful: Conforming to, permitted by, or recognized by law.
- Legitimate: Conforming to the law or to rules; valid.
- Sanctioned: Officially permitted or approved.
Related Phrases and Idioms
- Outside the law: Not protected by or obedient to the law; synonymous with the historical status of an outlaw.
- By refusing to recognize the court, he placed himself outside the law.
- Declare someone an outlaw: A historical phrase for officially removing legal protection from a person.
- The king could declare a rebellious noble an outlaw.
Adjective
- contrary to or forbidden by law
- an illegitimate seizure of power
- illicit trade
- an outlaw strike
- unlawful measures