illegal, illicit, unlawful

Illegal, illicit and unlawful mean “contrary to or outside the law.”

  • Impaired driving is illegal in Canada.
  • Has the opening of casinos discouraged illicit gambling?
  • If you do something unlawful, you may have to face the legal consequences.

Illicit further conveys the meaning of moral disapproval, actions contrary to custom, or secrecy.

  • She was condemned in the media for having an illicit love affair while she was in office.
  • June 26 is both International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, and International Day in Support of Victims of Torture.

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© His Majesty the King in Right of Canada, represented by the Minister of Public Services and Procurement
A tool created and made available online by the Translation Bureau, Public Services and Procurement Canada

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