Break the law Meaning in English
expression
ˈbɹeɪk/ /ˈðə/, /ðə/, /ði/ /ˈɫɑ/, /ˈɫɔ
BRAYK thuh LAW
bɹˈeɪk/ /ðə, ði/ /lˈɔː
brayk thuh LAW
Definition
To do something that is not allowed by law; to commit a crime or illegal act.
Usage & Nuances
Common in both formal and informal English. Used as a set phrase for any illegal act, big or small. Often paired with "seriously," "knowingly," or "accidentally." Not used for breaking rules that are not laws (e.g., school rules).
Spanish: violar la ley - infringir la leyPortuguese (BR): violar a lei - quebrar a leiPortuguese (PT): violar a lei - infringir a leiChinese (Simplified): 犯法Chinese (Traditional): 犯法Hindi: कानून तोड़नाArabic: خرق القانون - مخالفة القانونBengali: আইন ভাঙা - আইন লঙ্ঘন করাRussian: нарушать закон - преступать законJapanese: 法律を破る - 法律に違反するVietnamese: vi phạm pháp luật - phạm phápKorean: 법을 어기다 - 법을 위반하다Turkish: yasa çiğnemek - kanunu bozmakUrdu: قانون توڑناIndonesian: melanggar hukum
Example Sentences
It is wrong to break the law.
basic
If you break the law, you may go to jail.
basic
People should never break the law.
basic
He didn't mean to break the law, it was an honest mistake.
natural
Some people break the law for money, others out of desperation.
natural
You can't just break the law because you disagree with it.
natural