illicit
UK: ɪˈlɪsɪt | US: ɪˈlɪsɪt
adj. not legally permitted or authorized; unlawful
adj. disapproved of or not permitted for moral or ethical reasons
illicit = il<not> + licit<lawful>
- il<not>: A variant of the prefix "in-" (from Latin), meaning "not," assimilated to "il-" before words starting with "l."
- licit<lawful>: From Latin licitus (past participle of licēre, "to be allowed"), meaning "permitted by law."
Etymology Origin:
"Illicit" entered English in the early 16th century from Latin illicitus ("not allowed"), combining the negative prefix il- with licitus ("lawful"). The root licēre also gives rise to "license" (permission) and "licit" (lawful, though rare). The word's evolution reflects a clear dichotomy between legality ("licit") and prohibition ("illicit"), emphasizing societal or legal boundaries.
The police seized a shipment of illicit drugs at the border.
Their relationship was considered illicit by conservative standards.
Illicit trade in endangered species is a global problem.
He was accused of using illicit means to win the contract.
The book reveals the illicit activities of the underground network.