Phrase guide

color of law

noun · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

noun

Meaning 1

A mere semblance of legal right; a means to do something with the apparent authority of law but actually in contravention of law.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: US, uncountable

Topics: law

Examples

  • The plaintiff claimed that under color of law the officer had deprived him of his civil rights.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

noun

Meaning 2

a mere semblance of legal right; something done with the apparent authority of law but actually in contravention of law

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • the plaintiff claimed that under color of law the officer had deprived him of his civil rights

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: colour of law

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: semblance, gloss, color, colour

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

3 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Chinese Mandarin: 表面合法的權力 /表面合法的权力 (biǎomiàn héfǎ de quánlì) — mere semblance of legal right
  • Finnish: lain varjo — mere semblance of legal right
  • Malay: kuasa perundangan — mere semblance of legal right