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

Gaetz's resignation ended a years-long probe by the committee that looked into allegations of sexual misconduct with a minor and illicit drug use.

From Salon

The House Ethics Committee was set to release a report detailing the findings of an investigation into former Rep. Matt Gaetz's alleged sexual misconduct and illicit drug use on Friday, but President-elect Donald Trump's selection of the Florida Republican to be attorney general abruptly deprived the panel of its jurisdiction.

From Salon

He was the subject of an ongoing ethics investigation in the House of Representatives into allegations of sexual misconduct, illicit drug use and misuse of campaign funds.

From BBC

The separate investigation by the House Ethics Committee, which will now be closed out, was considering whether Gaetz “engaged in sexual misconduct and illicit drug use” or “sought to obstruct government investigations of his conduct,” among other things, the committee said in June.

From Los Angeles Times

Edge was also sentenced for accessing and viewing the illicit football streams he was selling on.

From BBC

Related Words

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