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Definition of illicit

illicit

/ɪˈlɪs.ɪt/
il · lic · it
Adverb:illicitly
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illicit Lexical Profile

illicit Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Forbidden by law, official rules, or established social custom; unlawful or improper.

Example

"Customs officials intercepted a shipment containing illicit goods at the port."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for illicit
Antonyms
View all antonyms for illicit

Word Nuance & Usage

Do not confuse the adjective 'illicit' (forbidden by law, rules, or custom) with its near-homophone 'elicit', which is a verb meaning to draw out or evoke a response or reaction.

• Rhymes for illicit

• Nearby Words

illegitimate
illegitimately
illiberal
illicit
illicitly
illicitness
illilouette

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the early 16th century via Middle French illicite from Latin illicitus ('not allowed, unlawful'), formed from the privative prefix in- ('not') and licitus, the past participle of licere ('to be permitted').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Illicit. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/illicit
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