illicit
ih-LISS-it
/ɪˈlɪsɪt/
Forbidden by law, rules, or custom.
Suggests that the relationship is not just secret, but actually breaks a specific rule or law.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'illicitus,' where 'in-' means 'not' and 'licitus' means 'allowed' (the same root as 'license'). If you don't have the 'license' or permission to do it, it is illicit.
Word relationships
- illegal: Specifically refers to breaking the law of the land.
- unlawful: Similar to illegal, but often used in broader moral or civil contexts.
- licit: Not forbidden; lawful.
- legitimate: Conforming to the law or to rules.
Commonly confused with
- elicit: Elicit is a verb meaning to draw out a response (e.g., 'to elicit a laugh'); illicit is an adjective meaning forbidden.
Word family
- illicitly (adverb): In a way that is forbidden by law or custom.
Collocations
- illicit affair
- illicit relationship
- illicit activities
Example sentences
- "Customs officials intercepted a shipment of illicit goods, including counterfeit electronics and undeclared luxury items."
- "The illicit nature of their romance only seemed to add to the excitement for both of them." Describing a forbidden romance.
Memory hook
ILLICIT is ILL-legal (almost). Forbidden by the rules.
When not to use
Don't use for things that are just 'bad'; use for things that are specifically 'forbidden.'
Fun facts
- In the 17th century, 'illicit' was often used to describe smuggled goods before it became a common term for affairs.
Related words
Explore more words
nefarious, ethical, impropriety, double-cross, misconduct, collusion
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