illegal act

[/ɪˈliːɡəl ækt/]
nounpl: illegal acts
ato ilegal
1. An action or conduct that violates the law; a criminal or unlawful deed
The company was fined for committing an illegal act by dumping toxic waste.
A empresa foi multada por cometer um ato ilegal ao descartar resíduos tóxicos.
2. Any behavior or conduct that is prohibited by law and may result in legal penalties
Theft is considered an illegal act in all jurisdictions.
O roubo é considerado um ato ilegal em todas as jurisdições.
In Brazil, 'ato ilegal' is commonly used in legal, judicial, and everyday discourse to describe criminal or unlawful activities. The term carries formal weight in official documents and court proceedings. In the USA, the phrase is fundamental to legal vocabulary and criminal justice system discussions. The concept is deeply embedded in both societies' legal frameworks and is frequently referenced in news media, law enforcement contexts, and educational institutions.
NYC Slang
crime, beef, felony, misdemeanor
Synonyms / Sinônimos
crimecriminal actunlawful actoffenseviolationwrongdoinginfractionfelonymisdemeanor
Antonyms / Antônimos
legal actlawful actlegitimate actioncompliance

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
ato ilegal
Standard term used throughout Brazil in legal and everyday contexts
São Paulo
ato ilegal / crime
Both terms are used interchangeably in formal legal contexts
Rio de Janeiro
ato ilegal
Common usage in legal documents and judicial proceedings
Portugal
ato ilícito
Portuguese preference for 'ilícito' over 'ilegal' in formal legal contexts

Related Words

crimecriminaloffenselawstatuteviolationpunishmentarrest

Related Idioms & Phrases

break the law
violate the law
commit a crime
ato contrário à lei
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