French word

illicite

Pronunciation

IPA/ilisit/

Meaning

  • adjectiveillegal

Example

Il est illicite de fumer ici.

It is illegal to smoke here.

Illustration for illicite (illegal)

More examples

Le commerce illicite se développe malgré les contrôles.

Illicit trade is growing despite the controls.

Core concept

A locked gate blocks conduct that the law does not allow.

Common phrases

  • commerce illicite

    illicit trade

  • vente illicite

    illicit sale

  • réseau illicite

    illicit network

Similar words

illégal: In violation of the law.
interdit: Not permitted under applicable rules or authorization.
prohibé: Formally banned and therefore not allowed.

Definition in French

Qui est contraire au droit et ne respecte pas les lois ou les règles en vigueur.

Word origin

French inherited illicite from Old French, which developed from Latin illicitus, 'not permitted', built from in- and licitus.

Usage tips

  • Illicite is formal and legal in tone, while interdit is often the more direct word for something forbidden in everyday speech.

Opposites

Related words

  • illicitementillicitlyadverb

Word lists with this word