illicit
ih-LISS-it
/ɪˈlɪs.ɪt/
Forbidden by law, rules, or custom; illegal or improper.
Describes actions, goods, or relationships that violate legal or moral boundaries.
The story behind the word. From Latin 'illicitus', constructed from 'in-' (not) and 'licitus' (allowed, lawful). It shares a root with 'license'—literally meaning that which has received no permission.
Word relationships
- unlawful: Unlawful strictly means contrary to law; illicit covers both legal and moral prohibitions.
- prohibited: Prohibited emphasizes being explicitly forbidden by an authority or rule.
- licit: Conforming strictly to law or custom; legal.
- legitimate: Lawful and accepted under recognized rules.
Commonly confused with
- elicit: Illicit is an adjective meaning illegal; elicit is a verb meaning to draw out a response.
Word family
- illicitly (adverb): In an illegal or forbidden manner.
Collocations
- illicit trade
- illicit funds
- illicit drugs
- illicit affair
- illicit gain
Idioms & expressions
- under the radar
- contraband
Example sentences
- "Customs officers seized a container full of illicit goods smuggled across the border." Law Enforcement
- "Regulators cracked down on illicit trading networks operating in secret offshore financial markets." Financial News
Memory hook
ILLICIT = ILL-legal and EXLICITLY forbidden. Forbidden by law or custom.
When not to use
Do not confuse with 'elicit' (a verb meaning to draw out or evoke).
Fun facts
- In international economics, the 'illicit financial flow' (IFF) measures tax evasion and illegal wealth leaving developing countries.
Related words
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