outlaw
B2Formal and historical, but also used figuratively in modern contexts.
Definition
Meaning
A person who has broken the law and lives outside the protection of society, often historically one forced to live outside the law (like a bandit or fugitive).
As a verb: to make something illegal or prohibit it by law. As an adjective/adjectival: operating outside the law; prohibited.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The term strongly evokes historical contexts (e.g., Wild West, medieval England) but is readily used metaphorically for anything banned or operating outside official systems.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is very similar. Both use the term in historical/legal contexts and figuratively. Slightly stronger association with American Old West mythology in US usage.
Connotations
Historical, romanticised (the noble outlaw), or pejorative (dangerous criminal).
Frequency
Comparable frequency. More likely in American media due to Western genre.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[gov't/authority] outlawed [activity/practice][person] was declared an outlawto live as an outlawVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To have a price on one's head (outlaw context)”
- “Outside the law”
- “Public enemy number one”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
"The new regulations could outlaw certain tax avoidance schemes."
Academic
"The Magna Carta contained clauses regarding the process of outlawry."
Everyday
"They're trying to outlaw plastic bags in our town."
Technical
"The treaty seeks to outlaw the use of anti-personnel mines."
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The government plans to outlaw the sale of petrol cars by 2035.
- Several countries have outlawed whaling entirely.
American English
- Congress voted to outlaw that type of assault weapon.
- The state outlawed texting while driving.
adverb
British English
- (Rarely used as a pure adverb) They lived outlaw, beyond the reach of the king's justice.
American English
- (Rarely used) He rode outlaw for years before turning himself in.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Robin Hood was a famous outlaw.
- Guns are outlawed in this country.
- The new law will outlaw smoking in all public parks.
- In the story, the cowboy became an outlaw after the fight.
- The regime outlawed all opposing political parties, forcing them underground.
- The legend portrays the outlaw as a hero who stole from the rich.
- The concept of outlawry in medieval England effectively removed a person from the legal community, making them 'wolf's head'.
- Despite being outlawed by international convention, the trade in conflict diamonds persists.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of an OUTlaw as someone who is OUTside the LAW.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE LAW IS A CONTAINED SPACE (to be outside it is to be excluded and dangerous). A BANNED THING IS AN OUTLAW.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with простой 'lawbreaker' or 'criminal'. 'Outlaw' implies a specific status of being outside legal protection, often with a romantic/historical flavour. Not a direct translation for 'бандит' in all contexts.
- The verb 'to outlaw' means 'to ban by law', closer to 'запрещать законом', not 'нарушать закон' (to break the law).
Common Mistakes
- Using 'outlaw' as a simple synonym for 'criminal' in modern legal reports (too dramatic).
- Confusing verb and noun: 'The government outlawed him' (incorrect for declaring a person an outlaw) vs. 'The government outlawed the practice' or 'He was declared an outlaw.'
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following best captures the CORE historical meaning of 'outlaw' (noun)?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While the noun typically refers to a person, the verb 'to outlaw' means to ban something (e.g., a practice, an item), and it can be used adjectivally (e.g., outlaw music).
All outlaws are criminals, but not all criminals are outlaws. 'Outlaw' implies a specific, often historical, status of being formally excluded from legal rights and protections, and it carries a stronger cultural/romantic connotation (e.g., Billy the Kid). A 'criminal' is a more general, modern legal term.
Yes, in a romanticised or rebellious sense. Figures like Robin Hood are 'noble outlaws'. The term can imply freedom from oppressive laws or systems, as in 'outlaw country' music.
Outlawry. This is the formal, often historical, legal process of declaring someone an outlaw.