Definition of illicit

The word "illicit" originated in the early 18th century from the Latin root word "lawless," "licitus," meaning "lawful" or "upright." Illicit, at its core, refers to anything that is against established laws or customary norms. The prefix "il-" in illicit, comes from the Latin word "in-," meaning "not" or "opposite." This prefix was added to the Latin root "licitus" to create a new word that meant "not lawful" or "unlawful." The word illicit gained popularity in the 18th century as a consequence of the rising concern for issues such as illegitimate children, smuggling, and prostitution during the Enlightenment era. The usage of the term illicit expanded as English legal frameworks became more complex, making it necessary to label activities outside the purview of the law as illicit. The word also translates to "forbidden" or "prohibited" and is still used in legal and social contexts to refer to activities that are disregarded or crimes against established laws. As society evolved, the meaning of illicit has likewise widened to encompass illicit drugs, gambling, and other prohibited activities that are deemed criminal acts. Today, the term illicit has become a commonly used English word used to signify anything against the law or accepted norms.