outlaw
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈaʊt.lɔː/
KK: /aʊtˌlɔ/
noun
Definition
A person who breaks the law and is often running away from the police or legal authorities.
Example
The outlaw was captured after years of evading the law.
Conversation
Did you hear about that outlaw who escaped from prison last week?
Yeah, it was all over the news!
I wonder what he will do now that he's free — probably go back to his old ways as an outlaw.
Hopefully, he stays away from trouble this time.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
criminal
fugitive
renegade
Antonyms
lawful
citizen
conformist
transitive verb
Definition
To make something illegal or to ban it by law.
Example
The government decided to outlaw the use of plastic bags in the city.
Tense Forms
Past: outlawed
Past Participle: outlawed
Conversation
Did you hear they outlawed skateboarding in the park?
Seriously? That's ridiculous!
I know, right? It's like they're trying to take away all the fun.
Root Explanation
Outlaw is formed from "out" (meaning outside) and "law" (from Old English "lagu", meaning a rule or law). The word refers to someone who is outside the law or not protected by it.
Memory Tip
Think of someone who is 'outside' ('out') the 'law' — that's why an outlaw is someone who lives beyond legal protection.
Visually Confused Words
outawe