Outlaw

An outlaw is a person who has been declared as someone who is not protected by the law or excluded from the protection of the law, typically for committing a serious crime or violating societal norms. Historically, it signified the loss of all legal rights and protections, essentially making the individual fair game. Today, the term is used more figuratively to describe someone or something that is considered illegal, prohibited, or socially unacceptable, particularly by laws or customs. This can extend to actions, organizations, or even concepts deemed outside the bounds of acceptable conduct.

Outlaw meaning with examples

• The infamous bandit, having robbed multiple banks, was declared an outlaw by the sheriff and a hefty bounty was placed on his head. He was now someone that had no protection under the law, and everything that would be done to him would be considered acceptable under the law. He had become an outsider.
• The government decided to outlaw the sale of all types of weapons and ammo as they had contributed to too much violence within the community, hoping this measure would decrease the amount of gun-related deaths within the country. This was their mission for the year.
• A group of rebels, deemed outlaws by the ruling monarchy for their acts of treason and rebellion, fought for freedom and independence against the tyrannical regime, risking their lives and well-being. They were now a group of people that would need to defend for their actions.
• Certain corporations are accused of being outlaws in the financial industry, engaging in practices that exploit consumers and skirt regulatory oversight, causing financial crises and suffering to the public. They were not following their contracts.
• In some societies, certain artistic expressions or religious practices are outlawed due to cultural taboos, and are subjected to heavy discrimination. Anyone found engaging in these things would be looked down upon, with the potential to be imprisoned.