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.
The exception is his pardoning of violent Jan. 6 lawbreakers. George Liebmann, Baltimore Sun, 23 Feb. 2025 But Bates’s no-nonsense approach to crime and dogged determination to hold all lawbreakers accountable created a seismic shift in how crime and punishment would be tackled in Maryland’s largest city. Barnini Chakraborty, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 7 Feb. 2025 Pardons shouldn’t be gifts for friends, donors, and relatives who happen to be lawbreakers. Ron Faucheux, Orlando Sentinel, 19 Jan. 2025 Hochman said his office would specifically go after lawbreakers linked to gangs and crimes involving guns. Barnini Chakraborty, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 26 Jan. 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Lawbreaker.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lawbreaker. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.

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
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