illicit

[ ih-lis-it ]

adjective

1. not legally permitted or authorized; unlicensed; unlawful.

   Synonyms: prohibited, illegitimate

2. disapproved of or not permitted for moral or ethical reasons.

illicit

/ ɪˈlɪsɪt /

adjective

1. another word for illegal
2. not allowed or approved by common custom, rule, or standard

   illicit sexual relations

Derived Forms

• ilˈlicitly, adverb
• illicitness, noun

Other Words From

• il·lic·it·ly adverb
• il·lic·it·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of illicit¹

First recorded in 1645–55; from Latin illicitus, equivalent to il- ² + licit ( def )

Synonym Study

See illegal.

Example Sentences

But it is not the same as illicit GHB - a dangerous and illegal drug misused for its euphoric effects.

From BBC

An area previously known as Motel Drive, where illicit sex and drug sales once were rampant, has been transformed as the city bought up dilapidated motels.

From Los Angeles Times

State officials are responding by doubling staffing and investing millions towards a special task force to remove fentanyl pills, and other illicit opioids, from street sales.

From Los Angeles Times

The DEA has also reported increased seizures of illicit ketamine in recent years at rates far lower than seizures of fentanyl or other far more deadly and prevalent illegal drugs.

From Salon

His exit halted the release of a congressional report into allegations of sexual misconduct, illicit drug use and misuse of campaign funds.

From BBC

Related Words

• adulterous
• bootleg
• clandestine
• contraband
• furtive
• illegal
• illegitimate
• immoral
• improper
• prohibited
• unauthorized
• unlawful
• unlicensed
• wrongful