Pronunciation

/lɔː/

Definitions

• Noun: A rule or set of rules established by a government or other authority and enforced by courts, police, etc., that defines what is legal and illegal and applies to all members of society. Example: “They were arrested for breaking the law.”

  • Also, a system of such rules seen as a framework for social control and regulating conduct. Example: “The principles of law are universal.”
  • The body of knowledge constituting such rules; jurisprudence. Example: “She studied law at university.”
  • A scientific principle or generalization. Example: “The laws of physics dictate how objects move in space.”

• Verb (usually in the form ‘to lay down the law’): To state authoritatively or command with authority. Example: “The school principal laid down the law on classroom behavior.”

Phrases

• “Break the law”: to commit an illegal act.
• “Take the law into one’s own hands”: to act without legal authority, usually to punish someone perceived as having done wrong.
• “By law”: according to the rules or regulations prescribed by law.
• “In law”: according to the legal status or definition.

Example Sentences

• Noun: “The new law requires businesses to report their carbon emissions annually.”

• “Understanding the law is essential for any lawyer-to-be.”

• “The theory was found to be consistent with the fundamental laws of nature.”

• Verb: “The teacher decided it was time to lay down the law regarding tardiness.”

Synonyms

• Legislation
• Statute
• Regulation
• Edict
• Decree
• Commandment
• Principle (in the context of scientific laws)