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 Robinson complained that law-abiding people were being made to suffer because of the actions of one person. Peter Slevin, The New Yorker, 25 Sep. 2024 The grim reality is that law-abiding citizens are often victimized by criminal activities through trafficking and extortion. Expert Panel®, Forbes, 24 Sep. 2024 In the series, the corrupt outnumber the good as criminals run rampant and law-abiding citizens live in a constant state of fear in Gotham City. Denise Petski, Deadline, 26 June 2024 Back when Republicans were less doctrinaire, few objected to Ronald Reagan’s legalization through legislation on the status of otherwise law-abiding immigrants who crossed illegally or overstayed. Letters To The Editor, Orlando Sentinel, 7 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for law-abiding 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'law-abiding.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 29 Sep. 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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