Outlaw
/ˈaʊtlɔː/
Definitions
- (n.) A person declared by law to be outside the protection of the law, often for committing serious crimes or fleeing justice.
The medieval outlaw was subject to arrest or death without trial.
- (v.) To make something illegal or prohibited by law.
The legislature outlawed the use of certain toxic chemicals.
Forms
- outlaws
- outlawed
- outlawing
Related terms
See also
Commentary
The noun sense refers to a person outside legal protection, historically significant; the verb sense concerns the legislative act of prohibiting actions or entities by law.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.