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illicit

adjective

/ɪˈlɪsɪt/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of illicit

Pertaining to actions, behaviors, or activities that are prohibited, forbidden, or considered unlawful by established laws, regulations, or ethical standards.
"The police uncovered an illicit drug operation in the city."

Detailed meaning of illicit

When something is described as "illicit," it suggests a sense of wrongdoing or impropriety, indicating that it falls outside the boundaries of what is legally or morally acceptable. This term is often used to characterize actions that are conducted in secrecy or with intent to deceive, with the implication that they may result in legal consequences or societal disapproval. The concept of "illicit" encompasses a wide range of activities, from criminal acts to actions that breach accepted norms, and it serves as a label for actions that stand in contrast to the principles of legality and moral integrity.

Example sentences containing illicit

1. The police raided the warehouse and uncovered an illicit drug operation.
2. The couple engaged in an illicit affair behind their spouses' backs.
3. The smugglers were caught attempting to transport illicit goods across the border.
4. The website was shut down for hosting illicit content.
5. The police seized a large sum of money believed to be proceeds from illicit activities.
6. The undercover agent infiltrated the illicit gambling ring to gather evidence.

History and etymology of illicit

The adjective 'illicit' has its etymology rooted in Latin. It is derived from the Latin word 'illicitus,' which combines 'in,' meaning 'not,' and 'licitus,' meaning 'lawful' or 'permitted.' In Latin, 'illicitus' referred to something that was not in accordance with established laws or regulations. 'Illicit' entered the English language in the 16th century and is used to describe actions, behaviors, or activities that are prohibited, forbidden, or considered unlawful by established laws, regulations, or ethical standards. Its etymology underscores the concept of something being 'not lawful' or 'not permitted,' as implied by its Latin origins in 'illicitus,' emphasizing actions that go against established legal or ethical norms.

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Further usage examples of illicit

1. The artist faced legal consequences for selling illicit copies of famous artwork.
2. The company was fined for engaging in illicit business practices.
3. The detective uncovered an illicit weapons trade within the city.
4. The nightclub was shut down due to reports of illicit drug use on the premises.
5. The journalist exposed an illicit bribery scheme within the government.
6. The documentary shed light on the illicit trade of endangered animal products.
7. The hacker was arrested for gaining access to illicit information.
8. The police conducted a sting operation to apprehend the perpetrators of an illicit prostitution ring.
9. The authorities cracked down on illicit street racing, imposing heavy fines and penalties.
10. The documentary filmmaker went undercover to expose the illicit trade in human organs.
11. The book delved into the world of illicit love affairs in the upper echelons of society.
12. The politician was embroiled in an illicit scandal that tarnished his reputation.
13. The film depicted the gritty reality of life in an illicit drug den.
14. The authorities launched an investigation into the illicit sale of counterfeit goods.