noun B1 Intermediate Uncommon

outlaw

OWT-law

Outlaw (noun) means a person who has broken the law and is hiding or on the run from it. Example: “The gang of outlaws hid out in the hills for months.”

noun

A person who has broken the law and is hiding or on the run from it.

"The gang of outlaws hid out in the hills for months."

"In old Western films, the sheriff always chases down the outlaw in the end."

verb

To make something illegal, or to declare a person an outlaw.

"The new law outlawed the sale of the drug nationwide."

"Several countries have outlawed single-use plastic bags."

How to use outlaw

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSomeone who breaks the law and lives beyond its protection, or (as a verb) to ban something by law.

Common mistake

As a verb it means "to ban," not "to punish" — you outlaw an activity, you don't outlaw a person for a crime.

Common pairings

a wanted outlaw outlaw a practice declared an outlaw

Word forms

outlawed past tense, outlaws plural, Outlaws plural, outlaws singular

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Can you complete this real example?

The gang of _____ hid out in the hills for months.

Etymology

From Old English utlaga, "outlaw," borrowed from Old Norse utlagi — someone put "outside the law." Same out- root as outside and outward.

Origin: Old English

Synonyms

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criminal crook felon malefactor illegalize illegalise criminalize criminalise

Related words

criminal ill illegal hook bend thief elbow unlawful

Frequently asked questions

What does “outlaw” mean?

The word “outlaw” means a person who has broken the law and is hiding or on the run from it. In plain terms, someone who breaks the law and lives beyond its protection, or (as a verb) to ban something by law.

How do you pronounce “outlaw”?

“Outlaw” is pronounced OWT-law (/ˈaʊt.lɔ/ in IPA).

How do you use “outlaw” in a sentence?

Here is “outlaw” used in a sentence: “The gang of outlaws hid out in the hills for months.”

What part of speech is “outlaw”?

Depending on how it is used, “outlaw” can be a noun and a verb.

Where does the word “outlaw” come from?

The word “outlaw” comes from Old English. From Old English utlaga, "outlaw," borrowed from Old Norse utlagi — someone put "outside the law." Same out- root as outside and outward.

Is “outlaw” a common word?

“Outlaw” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

How many meanings does “outlaw” have?

“Outlaw” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a person who has broken the law and is hiding or on the run from it.

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