Dictionary

lawbreaking en · ADJ

Etymology

From law + breaking.

Meanings

1. unlawful; illegal.
   • To make this penalty hang like a Sword of Damocles over every lawbreaking alien apprehended in this country 1994 April 19, “LETTERS TO THE EDITOR”, in San Francisco Chronicle, page A18:
   • We have a place for lawbreaking citizens like you.
   • Although church leaders argue they're trying to help the most vulnerable in society, some, including parishioners, argue they're helping the most lawbreaking. 2006 April 24, “Clergy stakes out key role in debate”, in San Bernardino (CA) Sun:

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Synonyms

crimeful · licit · rightful · lawful · wrongful · legitimate · de jure · nonlawful · lawful · illegitimate · illicit · outlawed · criminal · legal · law-abiding · lawbreaking · illegal · wrongful · crimeful · unlawful

lawbreaking en · NOUN

Etymology

From law + breaking.

Meanings

1. The commission of a criminal act, the violation or breaking of a law.
   • His lawbreaking ended only when he was hanged for it.

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