illicit

Language: en

🇬🇧 /ɪˈlɪsɪt/ 🇺🇸 /ˌɪˈlɪsət/

📖 Definitions

  1. adjective
    Forbidden by law, rules, or custom; illegal or unlawful.; Not permitted or approved by social or moral standards; improper or disapproved of.; Done or carried out in secret, especially because it is forbidden or socially unacceptable.; Relating to or involving activities that are contrary to established rules or regulations, such as in trade or commerce.

🔗 Details

Word forms

Comparative: more illicit Superlative: most illicit

Collocations

illicit drugsillicit tradeillicit activityillicit affairillicit relationshipillicit gains

Derivatives

illicitlyillicitness

Synonyms

illegalunlawfulillegitimatecriminalforbiddenprohibited

Antonyms

legallawfullegitimatelicit

Commonly confused

elicit
EN: 'Elicit' is a verb meaning to draw out a response or reaction; 'illicit' is an adjective meaning forbidden or illegal.
illegitimate
EN: 'Illegitimate' is broader, also covering things not authorized or born out of wedlock; 'illicit' specifically implies violation of law or moral rules.

Spelling tips

EN: The most common error is confusing 'illicit' (adjective, illegal) with 'elicit' (verb, to draw out). Remember: 'illicit' starts with 'il-' like 'illegal'.

💬 Examples

  1. The police seized a large quantity of illicit drugs during the raid.

  2. They were involved in an illicit affair that scandalized the community.

  3. She made an illicit trip across the border to visit her family.

  4. The company was fined for engaging in illicit trade practices.