Cool MateOutlaw
UK //ˈaʊt.lɔː//US //ˈaʊt.lɔː//
Definition
To make something illegal or against the law.
In simple words: to make something illegal or forbidden
Examples
- The government decided to outlaw smoking in public places.
- After the new legislation, they will outlaw certain pesticides.
- The organization aims to outlaw discrimination in all forms.
- Many activists are pushing to outlaw fracking due to environmental concerns.
- They plan to outlaw the use of plastic bags by next year.
Usage notes
Typically used in legal or political contexts; avoid in casual conversations. Can describe both laws and behaviors.
Grammar pattern
outlaw + object
Memory hint
Think 'out of law' - making something outside of legal boundaries.
Collocations
- outlaw a practice
- outlaw behavior
- outlaw a substance
Synonyms
- prohibit
- ban
- forbid
- criminalize
- outlawry
Antonyms
- legalize
- permit
- allow
Common mistakes
- Incorrectly using 'outlaw' as a noun instead of a verb.
- Confusing 'outlaw' with 'ban' which is less formal.
- Using 'outlaw' without an object, as it always needs one.