English · Culture & Society

law

/lɔː/

[/lɔː/]

rule enforced by authority

Beginnernoun

Definition

A rule or system of rules created and enforced by a government or society to regulate behavior. It can also mean the whole body of such rules.

Example

It is against the law to drive faster than the posted speed limit on this road.

It is against the law to drive faster than the posted speed limit on this road.

Etymology

From Old English 'lagu', from Old Norse 'lag' (something laid down or fixed).

How & Where It’s Used

A core everyday and legal term used across many contexts.

Watch “rule enforced by authority” pronunciation on YouTube
lawsociety

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