law-abiding

[ law-uh-bahy-ding ]

adjective

1. obeying or keeping the law; obedient to law:

   law-abiding citizens.

law-abiding

adjective

1. adhering more or less strictly to the laws

   a law-abiding citizen

Derived Forms

• ˈlaw-aˌbidingness, noun

Other Words From

• law-a·biding·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of law-abiding¹

First recorded in 1830–40

Example Sentences

Asked whether law-abiding immigrants without papers should fear they might be deported if law enforcement pulled them over in a traffic stop, Arthur said: “I’m not going to say they shouldn’t be worried.”

From Los Angeles Times

Most law-abiding campaigns would be alarmed by such a shot across the bow.

From Los Angeles Times

"People who we call the founders or whatever saw religion broadly defined as a vital element in the promotion of good citizenship, law-abiding, public mindedness," Peterson said.

From Salon

Rhiannon Do’s attorney, David Wiechert, said in a previous email to The Times that she is “a hardworking, honest, and law-abiding young woman.”

From Los Angeles Times

In 2017, his family called him "proud, humble, mature and independent", as well as a "loyal son" and a "law-abiding citizen".

From BBC

Related Words

• authentic
• conscientious
• decent
• equitable
• fair
• forthright
• genuine
• honorable
• impartial
• proper
• reliable
• sincere
• straightforward
• true
• trustworthy
• virtuous