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Added 9 October 2026

outlaw

/ˈaʊt.lɔː/ noun

In Latin: proscriptus Wiktionary

noun Definition from WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about outlaw at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

Someone who has committed a crime or has been legally convicted of a crime.

verb

Declare illegal; outlaw.
Marijuana is criminalized in the U.S.

adjective

Contrary to or forbidden by law.
an illegitimate seizure of power
Disobedient to or defiant of law.
lawless bands roaming the plains

Origin

From Middle English outlawe, outlagh, utlaȝe, from Old English ūtlaga (“outlaw”), borrowed from Old Norse útlagi (“outlaw, fugitive”), equivalent to out- + law. Cognate with Icelandic útlagi (“outlaw”).

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

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