lawless

/'lɔ:lis/

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Word: Lawless

Part of Speech: Adjective

Definition: The word "lawless" describes a situation, place, or behavior that does not follow laws or rules. It refers to being disobedient to or defiant of the law.

Usage Instructions:

• Use "lawless" to describe places or groups that operate without legal authority or control.
• It can also describe behaviors that ignore or break laws.

Examples:

1. Simple Example: "The town was lawless, with no police to keep order."
2. Advanced Example: "In a lawless society, people often take justice into their own hands."

Synonyms:

• Anarchic
• Unlawful
• Outlaw
• Disorderly
• Chaotic

Antonyms:

• Lawful
• Legal
• Orderly

Different Meanings:

1. General Meaning: A lack of law and order in a place.

   • Example: "After the government fell, the country became lawless."

2. Social Context: Refers to people who do not respect the law.

   • Example: "Lawless gangs often create fear in the communities they inhabit."

Word Variants:

• Lawlessness (noun): The state of being lawless.

  • Example: "The lawlessness in the area made it unsafe for families."

• Lawful (adjective): Following the law.

  • Example: "Her actions were lawful, and she had nothing to worry about."

Idioms & Phrasal Verbs:

• "Take the law into one’s own hands": To act independently to enforce the law or seek justice, usually in a way that is not legal.
  • Example: "After waiting for the police to act, he decided to take the law into his own hands."

Summary:

"Lawless" is used to describe situations or behaviors that disregard the law. It often implies chaos or disorder, and is related to the absence of authority.

Academic

Adjective

1. disobedient to or defiant of law
   • lawless bands roaming the plains
2. lax in enforcing laws
   • a wide-open town
3. without law or control
   • the system is economically inefficient and politically anarchic

Synonyms

• outlaw
• wide-open
• anarchic
• anarchical