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

Example Sentences

If he means it, he’d also reduce his tariffs and stop his Administration’s mass deportation raids at law-abiding workplaces.

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In an interview on his campaign bus he told AFP his goal was to protect the human rights of "law-abiding citizens" and not "preventing the attacker from getting shot."

Read more on Barron's

With more guns in more hands, families are grieving loved ones lost to quick-tempered killings, often involving law-abiding civilians, with no one held accountable.

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“We have complete faith in the Indian judicial system and are confident that the ongoing proceedings will continue to reaffirm our integrity and law-abiding record,” Wahaal said.

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“They are attempting to violate landmark Supreme Court decisions and disarm law-abiding citizens by banning some of the most commonly owned handguns in America.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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