illicit

Translate illicit | into French | into German | into Italian | into Spanish

adjective

• forbidden by law, rules, or custom:illicit drugs illicit sex

Derivatives

illicitly

adverb

illicitness

noun

Origin:

early 16th century: from French, or from Latin illicitus, from in- 'not' + licitus (see licit)

Do not confuse illicit with elicit. Illicit means 'not allowed by law or rules' (illicit drugs), whereas elicit means 'draw out a reply or reaction' (I tried to elicit a smile from Joe).