adjective
Uncommon
illicit
ih-LIH-siht
Illicit (adjective) means not permitted by law or social convention; forbidden. Example: “Police seized a large quantity of illicit drugs at the port.”
adjective
1
Not permitted by law or social convention; forbidden.
"Police seized a large quantity of illicit drugs at the port."
"They were having an illicit affair that everyone at the office suspected."
"Selling illicit copies of films online is against the law in most countries."
How to use illicit
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishForbidden — either by law or by social rules — often carries a hint of secrecy.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with "elicit" (to draw out a response), which sounds similar but means something completely different.
Common pairings
illicit drugs
illicit affair
illicit trade
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Word forms
- Plural
- illicits
- Comparative
- more illicit
- Superlative
- most illicit
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Police seized a large quantity of _____ drugs at the port.
Etymology
Borrowed from French illicite, from Latin illicitus — in- ("not") + licitus ("allowed").
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for illicit
See all rhymes for illicit →Frequently asked questions
What does “illicit” mean?
The word “illicit” means not permitted by law or social convention; forbidden. In plain terms, forbidden — either by law or by social rules — often carries a hint of secrecy.
How do you pronounce “illicit”?
“Illicit” is pronounced ih-LIH-siht (/ɪˈlɪsɪt/ in IPA).
How do you use “illicit” in a sentence?
Here is “illicit” used in a sentence: “Police seized a large quantity of illicit drugs at the port.”
What part of speech is “illicit”?
“Illicit” is an adjective.
Where does the word “illicit” come from?
The word “illicit” comes from Latin. Borrowed from French illicite, from Latin illicitus — in- ("not") + licitus ("allowed").
Is “illicit” a common word?
“Illicit” is an uncommon word in modern English.
