international law

American  

noun

1. the body of rules that nations generally recognize as binding in their conduct toward one another.

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international law British  

noun

1. the body of rules generally recognized by civilized nations as governing their conduct towards each other and towards each other's subjects

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international law Cultural  

1. A body of rules and principles that govern the relations among nations. (See Geneva Conventions and International Court of Justice.)

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Etymology

Origin of international law

First recorded in 1830–40

Example Sentences

Six Flags said Christopher Bennett, a partner at the international law firm Dentons, will join as chief legal and compliance officer on June 3.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 7, 2026

Organisers of the GSF have said the allegations against the two men are baseless and accused Israel of acts of piracy under international law.

From BBC • May 5, 2026

He has worked for an international law firm and, according to his campaign website, served as chief legal officer and general counsel for California Schools VEBA, a public employee benefits organization.

From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2026

"Any attempt to impose a maritime blockade or restrictions is contrary to international law... and is doomed to fail," Pezeshkian said in a statement.

From Barron's • Apr. 30, 2026

In the modern world, it is often considered a violation of international law.

From "An Indigenous People’s History of the United States" by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz