extralegal

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Word: Extralegal

Part of Speech: Adjective

Definition: The word "extralegal" describes something that is not regulated or allowed by the law. It often refers to actions or activities that occur outside the legal system, meaning they are not officially recognized or sanctioned by the law.

Usage Instructions:

• Use "extralegal" when discussing actions, solutions, or organizations that operate outside the boundaries of the law.
• It is often used in discussions about justice, rights, and governance.

Example Sentence:

"There were only extralegal recourses for their grievances, as the legal system failed to provide any help."

Advanced Usage:

• In legal studies or discussions about human rights, "extralegal" might describe actions taken in situations where legal protections are absent, such as in war zones or under oppressive governments.

Word Variants:

• Extralegally (adverb): This form is used to describe doing something in an extralegal manner.
  • Example: "They acted extralegally to protect their rights."
• Extralegality (noun): This refers to the state or condition of being outside the law.
  • Example: "The extralegality of their actions raised concerns among human rights advocates."

Different Meanings:

• While primarily associated with actions outside the law, "extralegal" can also imply a lack of formal legal procedures or protections, suggesting a gray area where rules are not clear.

Synonyms:

• Illegal
• Unlawful
• Illegitimate
• Outside the law

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• "Beyond the pale": This idiom means something that is outside acceptable limits, similar to extralegal actions, but it is not used specifically in legal contexts.
• There are no direct phrasal verbs associated with "extralegal," but you might use phrases like "step outside the law" or "act outside legal bounds" in similar contexts.

Summary:

"Extralegal" is an important word to know when discussing actions or situations that do not follow the law. It is commonly used in legal discussions, social justice contexts, and historical accounts where formal legal systems are challenged or absent.

Academic

Adjective

1. not regulated or sanctioned by law
   • there were only extralegal recourses for their grievances

Synonyms

• nonlegal