illicit
ih-LIS-it
/ɪˈlɪsɪt/
Forbidden by law, rules, or custom; unlawful.
Illicit describes something that is not permitted, often implying a moral or ethical wrong in addition to being illegal. It suggests something clandestine or underhanded.
The story behind the word. The word 'illicit' comes from the Latin 'illicitus,' which means 'not allowed' or 'unlawful.' This is formed by combining the negative prefix 'in-' (which becomes 'il-' before 'l') with 'licitus,' meaning 'allowed' or 'lawful.' 'Licitus' itself comes from 'licere,' meaning 'to be permitted.' So, 'illicit' literally means 'not permitted,' perfectly conveying the sense of something forbidden by law or custom.
Word relationships
- illegal: Forbidden by law, often used interchangeably but 'illicit' can also imply custom/morality.
- unlawful: Not conforming to, permitted by, or recognized by law.
- forbidden: Not allowed; prohibited.
- licit: Permitted by law; lawful.
- legal: Permitted by law.
- lawful: Conforming to, permitted by, or recognized by law or rules.
Commonly confused with
- elicit: 'Illicit' (with an 'i') means unlawful or forbidden. 'Elicit' (with an 'e') is a verb meaning to evoke or draw out (a response, answer, or fact) from someone.
Word family
- illicitness (noun): The state or quality of being illicit.
Collocations
- illicit trade
- illicit drugs
- illicit activities
- illicit gains
Example sentences
- "The police raided a warehouse suspected of storing illicit drugs and counterfeit goods." Reporting on criminal activities.
- "The government launched an investigation into the illicit trade of endangered species." Discussing international trade.
Memory hook
ILLICIT is ILLEGAL, and it's not LICIT (the opposite of illicit). ILLEGAL, not LICIT
When not to use
Do not use 'illicit' for something merely unpopular or unconventional; it specifically refers to something forbidden or unlawful.
Fun facts
- The word 'licit' is the direct antonym of 'illicit' and means lawful or permitted, though it is much less common in everyday usage.
Related words
Explore more words
nefarious, ethical, impropriety, double-cross, misconduct, collusion
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