Standard Lemma guide

lawbreaking

adj · 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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  • CMU ARPABET: L AO1 B R EY2 K IH0 NG Digits mark lexical stress: 1 primary, 2 secondary, 0 unstressed.

1

adj

Meaning 1

unlawful; illegal.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • We have a place for lawbreaking citizens like you.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: crimeful, wrongful, criminal, illegal, illegitimate, illicit, lawbreaking, nonlawful, outlawed, unlawful, law-abiding, lawful, de jure, legal, legitimate, licit, rightful

Antonyms: none provided

2

noun

Meaning 2

The commission of a criminal act, the violation or breaking of a law.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • His lawbreaking ended only when he was hanged for it.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

From law + breaking.