26984 words

law

19 definitions • 55 examples
1
a rule, usually made by a government, that is used to order the way in which a society behaves:

Examples:

There are laws against drinking in the street.
The laws governing the possession of firearms are being reviewed.
They led the fight to impose laws on smoking.
[ + -ing verb or + to infinitive ] Many doctors backed plans for a law banning/to ban all tobacco advertising.
2

Examples:

What does the law say about having alcohol in the blood while driving?
Of course robbery is against the law!
The judge ruled that the directors had knowingly broken the law.
You can't take that course of action and remain within the law.
They have to provide a contract by law.
3
the area of knowledge or work that involves studying or working with the law :

Examples:

She's going to study law at university.
a law firm in New York
4
the police:

Examples:

The law was/were out in force at the demonstration.
5
When someone goes to law about something, they ask a court to make a legal judgment about it:

Examples:

These people were known to be very quick to go to law.
6
a general rule that states what always happens when the same conditions exist:

Examples:

Newton's laws of motion
humorous The first law of (= the most important principle in) politics is - if you're going to lie, don't get found out!
7
a rule made by a government that states how people may and may not behave in society and in business, and that often orders particular punishments if they do not obey, or a system of such rules:

Examples:

[ U ] civil/criminal law
[ U ] federal/state law
[ C ] We have a law in this state that drivers must wear seatbelts.
[ U ] She’s studying law at Georgetown University.
[ U ] Playing loud music late at night is against the law.
8
The law is also the police:

Examples:

[ U ] He got in trouble with the law as a young man.
9
Law and order is the condition of a society in which laws are obeyed, and social life and business go on in an organized way.
10

Examples:

Several law enforcement officers were sent to Mexico to bring the prisoner back.
11
a general rule that states what always happens when the same conditions exist:

Examples:

the laws of physics
12
a rule, usually made by a government, that states how people may and may not behave in a society, and often orders particular punishments if they do not obey:

Examples:

a law against sth There is a law against aggressive telemarketing.
a law allows/forbids/prohibits sth Checks will be processed more quickly, thanks to a federal law allowing banks to use electronic images of checks.
the laws on/governing sth He plans changes to the laws on bankruptcy.
tax/anti-trust/environmental laws
13
the set or system of laws made by a government in a particular place:

Examples:

UK/American/Indian, etc. law Promising magical remedies is prosecutable under Indian law.
obey/respect the law Even the most powerful people have a duty to obey the law.
uphold/enforce the law
break/disobey/violate the law
It is against the law to hire undocumented workers in the U.S.
the law says/states/requires The law requires traders to state clearly what rate of exchange they are using.
by law By law, the maximum donation allowed is $5,000.
under the law Under the law, private equity is taxed in exactly the same manner as every other investment.
outside/within the law He took risks with his business dealings, but was careful to stay within the law.
15
the study of law or the job of being a lawyer:

Examples:

go into/practise/study law Her mother inspired her to study law.
law firm/practice/school This isn't just any law school, it's the one that has more judges in more courtrooms than any other.
16
the rules set by an organization that control how it and its members should behave:

Examples:

the laws of sth Managers know how to promote a respectful working environment while maintaining the laws of the office.
Church law regulates the actions of the bishops.
17
a rule or normal way of behaving which the people who do an activity usually follow:

Examples:

the laws of sth The laws of good business say you shake hands and make eye contact when you leave.
Out of all the laws of salesmanship, the first one to learn is to get a prospect's name.
Vendors have informal laws of their own about client-stealing.
18
a rule which states what always happens when the same conditions exist:

Examples:

the law of sth The first law of thermodynamics says that energy is conserved in any process involving a thermodynamic system and its surroundings.
the laws of physics/science/economics According to the laws of physics this would not be possible.
19
the police or other officials who stop crime or catch criminals:

Examples:

He had to swear he wasn't changing his name in order to run from the law.

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