law-abiding

[law-uh-bahy-ding]

adjective

1. obeying or keeping the law; obedient to law.

   law-abiding citizens.

law-abiding

adjective

1. adhering more or less strictly to the laws

   a law-abiding citizen

Other Word Forms

• law-abidingness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of law-abiding¹

First recorded in 1830–40

Related Words

• authentic 
• conscientious 
• decent 
• equitable 
• fair 
• forthright 
• genuine 
• honorable 
• impartial 
• proper 
• reliable 
• sincere 
• straightforward 
• true 
• trustworthy 
• virtuous