law-abiding
Americanadjective
adjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of law-abiding
First recorded in 1830–40
Vocabulary lists containing law-abiding
Vocabulary from the Eleventh Republican Debate March 3, 2016
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Selection Vocabulary 1, Unit 4
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The ability to feel safe in our homes and on our streets is one of the most fundamental concerns of law-abiding citizens.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 1, 2026
On a practical level, he added, the data sharing increased the risk of breaches that can open law-abiding citizens up to identity theft.
From Salon ● Aug. 15, 2026
"It has a huge impact on your law-abiding citizens as well."
From BBC ● Jul. 7, 2026
Congress can also create a path to citizenship for those who have been in the United States lawfully, for a period of time, have been contributing to our communities, and are law-abiding.
From Slate ● Jun. 26, 2026
While I do think certain individuals are disposed to crime because of their genetic inheritance or an abusive upbringing, I am convinced that apartheid turned many otherwise law-abiding citizens into criminals.
From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
