illicit — forbidden by law, rules, or custom; illegal or improper
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: forbidden by law, rules, or custom; illegal or improper
Pronunciation (IPA): /ɪˈlɪsɪt/
Example Sentences
- The teacher caught students engaged in illicit note-passing during the exam.
- The company was involved in illicit financial transactions.
- He made illicit copies of the movie and sold them at the market.
illicit
ADJECTIVE[/ɪˈlɪsɪt/]
forbidden by law, rules, or custom; illegal or improper

Smugglers unload illicit goods from a hidden ship at midnight.

Explicit evidence can elicit the truth about illicit deeds!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Latin 'illicitus', meaning 'not allowed' or 'forbidden'. The word combines the prefix 'il-' (not) with 'licitus' (lawful, permitted), which derives from 'licere' (to be permitted).
Breakdown
il- (not) + -licit (from Latin licitus, lawful/permitted) = illicit (not permitted/forbidden)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The teacher caught students engaged in illicit note-passing during the exam.”
“The company was involved in illicit financial transactions.”
“He made illicit copies of the movie and sold them at the market.”
“The detective uncovered an illicit gambling ring operating in the basement.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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