illicit etymology

Etymology:

  • Late Latin: illicitus ("not allowed")
  • Latin: in- ("not") + licitus ("lawful")

Meaning:

  • Unlawful or forbidden
  • Performed or obtained in an illegal or unapproved manner

Origin:

The word "illicit" originated in the legal context of ancient Rome. It was used to describe actions that were not permitted or sanctioned by Roman law. Over time, the term has been adopted into general English usage, and is now used to refer to any action that is unlawful or morally reprehensible.

In the legal sense, illicit activities are those that are prohibited by statute or common law. Examples of illicit activities include murder, theft, and drug trafficking. In a broader sense, illicit actions can also refer to behaviors that are considered unethical or socially unacceptable, even if they are not explicitly forbidden by law. For example, cheating on a test or engaging in fraudulent business practices could be considered illicit.

The concept of illicit behavior is closely related to the concept of legality. Legality refers to the quality of being in accordance with the law. Illicit behavior, therefore, is behavior that violates the law or is otherwise not permitted.

illicit relate terms

  • licence

    Etymology The word licence originates from the Old French word licence which derives

  • enemy

    Etymology The word enemy comes from the Old French word ennemi which in turn is der

  • illegitimate

    Etymology Illegitimate comes from the Latin words in not and legitimus lawful

  • outlaw

    Etymology The word outlaw has Old English origins Ut out Denoting separation

  • bootlegger

    Etymology bootlegger 1920s American English from bootleg n er agent noun

  • left handed

    Etymology The term left handed is a compound word with two roots Left Old English

  • intrigue

    Etymology Late Middle English via Old French entriegue from Italian intrigo from Lati

  • make up

    Etymology Make Old English macian meaning to form create or produce Up Old Eng

  • mundane

    Etymology Mundane derives from the Latin word mundānus meaning of the world It

  • prose

    Etymology The word prose originates from the Latin word prosa which itself derives