Outlawed is spelt as /aʊtˈlɔːd/. The word is derived from the Old Norse word 'utlög' meaning 'outlawed, banished'. In English, the word came to describe those who live outside the protection of the law. It is a verb form of the noun 'outlaw' which means a person who has been banned from society or punished by law. The spelling of this word follows common English spelling rules, where the vowel sound in 'out' is followed by the 'l' sound and then the 'aw' sound in 'lawed'.
The term "outlawed" refers to something or someone that has been officially declared illegal or prohibited by a governing authority or established law. It conveys the idea of being banned, forbidden, or rendered outside the protection of the law.
When a particular action, behavior, or activity is outlawed, it means that engaging in it is strictly prohibited and can lead to punishment or legal consequences. This can be the result of moral, ethical, or societal concerns, such as activities that are considered harmful, dangerous, or detrimental to individuals or society as a whole.
Outlawed can also apply to individuals who have been declared outlaws by a legal authority. In this sense, an outlaw is someone who has been deprived of the legal rights and protections accorded to citizens. They are typically considered to be outside the boundaries of the law, making them vulnerable to arrest, lack of legal recourse, and often subject to punishment without due process.
The concept of outlawing has existed across various cultures and legal systems throughout history. It serves as a means to maintain order, protect society, and deter individuals from engaging in actions or behaviors deemed unacceptable or harmful. By officially labeling something or someone as outlawed, a society establishes clear boundaries and consequences, promoting lawfulness and discouraging actions that may pose a threat to the well-being of individuals or the community at large.
Excluded from the benefit of law.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "outlawed" comes from the Old English term "ūtlaga", which was derived from the Old Norse word "útlagr". The term "ūtlaga" was formed by combining "ūt" (meaning "out") with "lagu" (meaning "law"). In essence, an outlaw was someone who had been cast out or banished from the protection of the law, making them outside of legal boundaries and subject to punishment if encountered. Over time, this term evolved to refer to individuals who had committed crimes or engaged in illegal activities and were therefore considered as lawless.