lawful Definition
- 1allowed by law; legal
- 2conforming to, permitted by, or recognized by law or rules
Using lawful: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "lawful" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The police have the power to arrest anyone who is not acting in a lawful manner.
Example
The company has a lawful right to protect its intellectual property.
Example
It is not lawful to discriminate against someone based on their race or gender.
Example
The judge ruled that the search was conducted in a lawful manner.
lawful Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for lawful
Antonyms for lawful
- illegal
- unlawful
- illicit
- unauthorized
- prohibited
Phrases with lawful
lawful wife/husband
a spouse who is legally married to another person
Example
He left his lawful wife and children to be with his mistress.
the legally authorized surveillance of electronic communications, such as phone calls or emails
Example
The government agency requested a lawful interception of the suspect's phone calls.
a foreign national who has been granted the right to live and work in a country permanently
Example
After living in the US for five years, she became a lawful permanent resident.
Origins of lawful
from Old English 'laguful', meaning 'full of law'
Summary: lawful in Brief
The term 'lawful' [ˈlɔːfʊl] refers to actions or situations that are allowed or recognized by law or rules. It is often used in legal contexts, such as 'The company has a lawful right to protect its intellectual property.' 'Lawful' can also refer to relationships, as in 'He left his lawful wife and children to be with his mistress.'
