illegalism

/ɪˈliːɡəlɪz(ə)m/

illegalism means illegal activity, especially seen as systemic or as part of a general philosophy or ideology. Lexicurio rates it Sui generis — a strength score of 89 out of 100.

illegalism is pronounced /ɪˈliːɡəlɪz(ə)m/.

Why “illegalism” is a great word

ILLEGALISM — [Noun] A doctrine or practice advocating systematic illegal activity as a philosophically justified position. From illegal (from Medieval Latin illegalis, from Latin in- ("not") + legalis ("legal")) + the suffix -ism (denoting a practice, system, or doctrine). Unlike "criminality," a general term for law-breaking devoid of philosophy, or "legalism," its doctrinal opposite of rigid adherence to codified law, illegalism is transgression made creed. It is the anarchist's expropriation reframed as moral duty, the forger's craft elevated to an art of liberation, the smuggler's route charted as a line of flight from the state—a stark conviction that the only binding morality is the one forged outside the permitted lines.

Etymology

From illegal + -ism.

noun

Illegal activity, especially seen as systemic or as part of a general philosophy or ideology.“Sprinzak argued that the rule of law has never been fully institutionalized in Israel and that illegalism is a basic characteristic of political culture.”