lawbreaker

noun

law·​break·​er ˈlȯ-ˌbrā-kər How to pronounce lawbreaker (audio)
: a person who violates the law
lawbreaking adjective or noun

Examples of lawbreaker in a Sentence

He admitted to being a lawbreaker. legislation that mandates lengthy prison sentences for chronic lawbreakers
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Oakland is in the middle of one of its most turbulent times in decades, fueled by its mayor, Sheng Thao, who is being recalled next month by voters frustrated over crime, corruption, and a reluctance to hold lawbreakers accountable. Barnini Chakraborty, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 11 Oct. 2024 A lot of times, these bush-league but prolific lawbreakers basically got a warning, then another warning, then maybe a couple of months in county. Anita Chabria, Los Angeles Times, 10 Oct. 2024 Given the trading port’s focus on profits and growth, people of different stripes found ways to get along with one another, and the colonial directors were lenient with lawbreakers. Michael Tubridy, New York Daily News, 13 Aug. 2024 As New York’s governor, Roosevelt had championed a fusion of penal reform and vigilance against lawbreakers. Anthony Gregory / Made By History, TIME, 23 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for lawbreaker 

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lawbreaker was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near lawbreaker

Cite this Entry

“Lawbreaker.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lawbreaker. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

lawbreaker

noun
law·​break·​er ˈlȯ-ˌbrā-kər How to pronounce lawbreaker (audio)
: a person who breaks the law
lawbreaking adjective or noun

More from Merriam-Webster on lawbreaker

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!