Refine this word faster

Stronger alternatives Opposite tone Use in context Cross-language nuance

Illicit

//ɪˈlɪsɪt// adj, noun

Definitions

Adjective

1
Not approved by law, but not invalid.
"The bigamous marriage, while illicit, was not invalid."
2
Breaking social norms.
"I only can properly enjoy carol services if I am having an illicit affair with someone in the congregation."
3
Unlawful.
"Ayşe Erkoç learned long ago that the secret of doing anything illicit in Istanbul is to do it in full public gaze in the clear light of day. No one ever questions the legitimacy of the blatant."

Adjective

1
contrary to or forbidden by law wordnet
2
contrary to accepted morality (especially sexual morality) or convention wordnet

Noun

1
A banned or unlawful item.
"A large number of studies, however, have reported that it is rare for the user of 'hard' drugs not to have initiated cannabis use prior to the other illicits."

Etymology

Etymology 1

Borrowed from French illicite, from Latin illicitus, from in- (“not”) + licitus (“allowed, permitted”), from licet (“it is allowed”). By surface analysis, il- + licit.

Etymology 2

Borrowed from French illicite, from Latin illicitus, from in- (“not”) + licitus (“allowed, permitted”), from licet (“it is allowed”). By surface analysis, il- + licit.

Next best steps

Find stronger synonyms See usage examples Check pronunciation

Mini challenge

Unscramble this word: illicit