lawful

[ law-fuhl ]

adjective

1. allowed or permitted by law; not contrary to law:

   a lawful enterprise.

   Synonyms: legal

2. recognized or sanctioned by law; legitimate:

   a lawful marriage; a lawful heir.

   Synonyms: licit

3. appointed or recognized by law; legally qualified:

   a lawful king.

4. acting or living according to the law; law-abiding:

   a lawful man; a lawful community.

lawful

/ ˈlɔːfʊl /

adjective

1. allowed, recognized, or sanctioned by law; legal

Derived Forms

• ˈlawfulness, noun
• ˈlawfully, adverb

Other Words From

• lawful·ly adverb
• lawful·ness noun
• pre·lawful adjective
• pre·lawful·ly adverb
• pre·lawful·ness noun
• quasi-lawful adjective
• quasi-lawful·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of lawful¹

First recorded in 1250–1300, lawful is from the Middle English word laghful. See law ¹, -ful

Example Sentences

Prosecutors determined they didn’t have enough evidence to charge two other deputies who shot Ordaz, and said a third acted in lawful self-defense.

From Los Angeles Times

The exercises demonstrated repeatedly that an authoritarian in control of the executive branch with little concern for legal limits holds a structural advantage over any lawful effort to restrain him.

From Salon

Lord Ericht appeared to sum up their position succinctly on Friday, when he suggested it amounted to them asking him to say: "I accept this decision is unlawful but I give it lawful effect."

From BBC

A parent or person with lawful custody has up to 14 days from the time of surrender to reclaim the newborn if they change their mind.

From Los Angeles Times

For displacement to be lawful, civilians must be moved safely and provided with accommodation and essential supplies.

From BBC

Related Words

• authorized
• constitutional
• justifiable
• legal
• permissible
• proper
• rightful
• statutory
• valid