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lawless

[/ˈlɔːləs/]
adjective
sem lei
1. Not governed by or obedient to the law; criminal or anarchic in nature
The lawless region was plagued by gangs and violence.
A região sem lei era assolada por gangues e violência.
2. Characterized by a lack of legal authority or control
During the riot, the streets became lawless and chaotic.
Durante o motim, as ruas se tornaram anárquicas e caóticas.
3. Unrestrained by law or morality; wild or uncontrolled
His lawless behavior eventually led to his arrest.
Seu comportamento ilícito eventualmente levou à sua prisão.
NYC Slang
wild; out of control; lawless
Synonyms
illegalcriminalanarchicunrulyuncontrolleddisorderlyreckless
Antonyms
lawfullegalorderlyobedientregulatedcontrolled

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
sem lei; ilícito
Most common usage in Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
desordeiro; fora da lei
Colloquial usage in favela contexts
São Paulo
criminoso; anárquico
More formal usage
Portugal
sem lei; ilegal
Standard European Portuguese

Related Idioms & Phrases

a lawless state of affairs
lawless band of thieves
lawless frontier
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