illegal action

[ɪˈliːɡəl ˈækʃən]
nounpl: illegal actions
ação ilegal
1. An act or deed that violates the law or is prohibited by legal statutes
The company was prosecuted for its illegal actions in the workplace.
A empresa foi processada por suas ações ilegais no local de trabalho.
2. Conduct that is contrary to or forbidden by law
The police arrested him for committing an illegal action.
A polícia o prendeu por cometer uma ação ilegal.
3. In legal contexts, an unlawful act that may result in civil or criminal penalties
Such illegal actions carry severe consequences including fines and imprisonment.
Tais ações ilegais acarretam consequências severas, incluindo multas e encarceramento.
In Brazil, discussions about illegal actions are common in legal contexts, news reporting, and social discourse regarding corruption and crime. The term is formally used in legal proceedings and governmental documents. In American English, 'illegal action' is frequently used in business, law enforcement, and civil rights contexts. Both cultures heavily emphasize the rule of law and consequences of illegal actions in their legal systems.
NYC Slang
illegal move / shady move / dirty play
Synonyms / Sinônimos
unlawful actcriminal actwrongdoingoffenseviolationbreach of law
Antonyms / Antônimos
legal actionlawful conductlegitimate actionlegal compliance

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
ação ilegal
Standard term used in legal documents and everyday speech
São Paulo
ação ilegal / prática ilegal
Both terms are commonly used; 'prática ilegal' emphasizes the practice or habit
Rio de Janeiro
ação ilegal
Standard usage, sometimes colloquially referred to as 'coisa errada'
Portugal
ação ilegal / acto ilegal
Both terms are acceptable; 'acto ilegal' is more traditional Portuguese

Related Words

crimefelonymisdemeanortransgressioninfringementstatuteprosecutionlegislation

Related Idioms & Phrases

break the law
go against the grain of the law
operate outside the law
ação que fere a lei
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