outlawed
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈaʊt.lɔd/
KK: /aʊtˌlɔd/
adjective
Definition
Describing something that is forbidden by law or made illegal.
Example
The use of certain drugs has been outlawed in many countries.
Conversation
Did you hear that they outlawed that dangerous substance?
Yeah, I read about it! It's about time they did something.
I know, right? It's crazy how long it took to get it outlawed.
For sure! Hopefully, it makes a difference in people's health.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
forbidden
prohibited
banned
Antonyms
legal
permitted
allowed
verb
Definition
To make something illegal or to prohibit it by law.
Example
The government outlawed the use of certain harmful chemicals in food production.
Tense Forms
Past: outlawed
Past Participle: outlawed
Conversation
Did you hear that they outlawed smoking in public places now?
Yeah, I read about that! It’s about time, honestly.
Right? It’s crazy how long it took for them to finally do it.
Root Explanation
Outlawed → It is formed from "out-" (meaning outside) and "law" (from Old English "lagu", meaning a rule or regulation) and the suffix "-ed" (indicating a past action). The word "outlawed" means to be placed outside the law or made illegal.
Memory Tip
Think of being 'outside' ('out-') the 'law' — that's why outlawed means something is made illegal.
Visually Confused Words
unoutlawed
outawe
outplayed
untawed
unlawed
outweed
outglad