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

1. contrary to or forbidden by law
   • an illegitimate seizure of power
   • illicit trade
   • an outlaw strike
   • unlawful measures