outlaw

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   A criminal, especially one who is on the run from the law.

   In old Western films, outlaws often robbed trains.

2. 2
   verb

   To make something illegal by law.

   The government plans to outlaw the sale of these knives.

From Middle English outlawe, outlagh, utlaȝe, from Old English ūtlaga (“outlaw”), borrowed from Old Norse útlagi (“outlaw, fugitive”), equivalent to out- + law. Cognate with Icelandic útlagi (“outlaw”).

Topics