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
1
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
1
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 notesIn 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
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Word forms
- Plural
- outlaws
- Third person singular
- outlaws
- Past tense
- outlawed
Fill the gap
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.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
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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