law-abiding

adjective

law-abid·​ing ˈlȯ-ə-ˌbī-diŋ How to pronounce law-abiding (audio)
: abiding by or obedient to the law
law-abiding citizens
law-abidingness noun

Examples of law-abiding in a Sentence

the law-abiding citizens of the neighborhood did everything they could to help reduce street crime
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.
Ewing added Dering took the proper law-abiding steps and noted consumers who are concerned about privacy don’t need to disclose their personal information. Auzinea Bacon, CNN, 15 Dec. 2024 Friends, work associates, and neighbors describe Ms. Parker as law-abiding, trustworthy, dependable, and dedicated person. The Hill, 12 Dec. 2024 By doing so, officials can better filter out individuals who may pose security or immigration risks, thereby streamlining the arrival process for law-abiding tourists, business people, and students. Andy J. Semotiuk, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024 The defense will seek to depict him as a law-abiding leader who was a victim of careless and biased police investigations. Tia Goldenberg, Los Angeles Times, 9 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for law-abiding 

Word History

First Known Use

1834, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of law-abiding was in 1834

Dictionary Entries Near law-abiding

Cite this Entry

“Law-abiding.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/law-abiding. Accessed 25 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

law-abiding

adjective
law-abid·​ing
ˈlȯ-ə-ˌbīd-iŋ
: obedient to the law

Legal Definition

law-abiding

adjective
law-abid·​ing
ˈlȯ-ə-ˈbī-diŋ
: abiding by or obedient to the law
law-abidingness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on law-abiding

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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