law · n
law (RULE)
B2 an official rule made by a government
Dictionary examples:
The law is intended to protect wildlife. (30.8)
Many states have passed laws against using a cell phone while driving. (35.8)
state/federal law (37.7)
Motor vehicle insurance is required by law. (37.9)
labor/immigration laws (47.2)
We have a law in this state that drivers must wear seatbelts. (57.7)
the law
B2 the system of official rules in a country
Dictionary examples:
Playing loud music late at night is against the law. (30.1)
You can't take that course of action and remain within the law. (31.0)
The judge ruled that the directors had knowingly broken the law. (61.1)
law (STATEMENT)
C2 a statement or relationship that is always true in science, mathematics, etc.
Dictionary examples:
the laws of physics (19.7)
the law of averages/gravity (52.9)
take the law into your own hands
C2 to do something illegal in order to punish someone because you know that the law will not punish that person
Dictionary examples:
The police did nothing about the thefts, so they took the law into their own hands. (40.3)
by law
C1 If you have to do something by law, it is illegal not to do it.
Dictionary examples:
They have to provide a contract by law. (24.3)
law and order
C2 the obeying of laws in society
Dictionary examples:
a breakdown in law and order (33.5)
law (SUBJECT)
B1 the subject or job of understanding and dealing with the official laws of a country
Dictionary examples:
I'm studying law to defend my pet rock's rights. (0.0)
My law school teaches how to win arguments with mirrors. (0.0)
I chose to study law because I love arguing with walls. (0.0)
to study/practice law (22.6)
a law school/firm (29.7)
civil/criminal/international law (42.2)