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Inlaw vs. Outlaw — What's the Difference?

By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 16, 2024
An inlaw is a relative by marriage, like a mother-in-law, while an outlaw is someone who is explicitly involved in illegal activities or living outside the law.
Inlaw vs. Outlaw — What's the Difference?

Difference Between Inlaw and Outlaw

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Key Differences

An inlaw refers to a person connected through marriage, extending one's family circle. This includes relationships like brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, and parents-in-law. They become part of one's extended family through the legal and social bonds of marriage. On the other hand, an outlaw is someone who has been involved in criminal activities and is thus deemed outside the protection and bounds of the law, often romanticized in popular culture as renegades or anti-heroes.
The role of inlaws in an individual's life typically revolves around familial obligations, celebrations, and shared responsibilities within the extended family. They are integral to family gatherings and are often involved in the dynamics of family support systems. Conversely, outlaws are typically associated with defiance against societal norms and legal frameworks, leading a life that often requires evasion from law enforcement agencies.
In terms of societal perception, inlaws are generally seen as part of one's extended social network, potentially playing a positive role in one's personal and familial environment. In contrast, outlaws are usually viewed negatively, seen as figures of criminality and disorder, often sensationalized in media and folklore.
While inlaw relationships can be governed by both legal and social expectations, facilitating connections and sometimes complexities in family structures, outlaws actively reject societal and legal expectations, which can lead to a life of secrecy, danger, and sometimes excitement, as depicted in stories and films.
Inlaws can influence one’s family life and decisions, often contributing to the family's welfare or challenges. Their involvement can range from supportive to complex, depending on the nature of individual relationships. Outlaws, however, influence society in different ways, often challenging law enforcement and influencing cultural tales of rebellion and freedom.
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Regarding legality and acceptance, being an inlaw is a legally recognized and socially accepted status that does not affect one's standing before the law. Outlaws, however, are in direct conflict with legal systems, often leading lives that can involve criminal proceedings and societal ostracism.

Comparison Chart

Definition

Relative by marriage
Person breaking the law

Social Perception

Part of extended family
Viewed as criminal or renegade

Typical Association

Family gatherings, support
Crime, evasion from the law

Legal Status

Legally recognized relationships
Involved in illegal activities

Cultural Impact

Minimal, personal
Significant, often romanticized

Compare with Definitions

Inlaw

A family member acquired through marriage.
My sister-in-law and I plan to start a business together.

Outlaw

A person living outside the law.
The outlaw had been evading capture for years.

Inlaw

Anyone related to one’s spouse.
My father-in-law gives the best advice.

Outlaw

Associated with defiance against societal norms.
He was considered an outlaw for his revolutionary ideas.

Inlaw

Associated by marriage.
She is my brother’s wife, thus my inlaw.

Outlaw

A renegade not protected by the law.
In the Old West, outlaws were common figures in towns.

Inlaw

Relatives by marriage, not by blood.
He spends every Christmas with his inlaws.

Outlaw

Someone who is part of criminal activities.
The character in the movie was portrayed as a charismatic outlaw.

Inlaw

Part of one’s extended family through marriage.
Our inlaws came to visit for the weekend.

Outlaw

Often romanticized as a rebellious hero.
Stories of the outlaw garnered him a legendary status.

Inlaw

Alternative spelling of in-law

Outlaw

In historical legal systems, an outlaw is one declared as outside the protection of the law. In pre-modern societies, all legal protection was withdrawn from the criminal, so that anyone is legally empowered to persecute or kill them.

Inlaw

To clear of outlawry or attainder; to place under the protection of the law

Outlaw

A fugitive from the law.

Inlaw

To clear of outlawry or attainder; to place under the protection of the law.

Outlaw

A habitual criminal.

Outlaw

A rebel; a nonconformist
A social outlaw.

Outlaw

A person excluded from normal legal protection and rights.

Outlaw

A wild or vicious horse or other animal.

Outlaw

To declare illegal
Outlawed the sale of firearms.

Outlaw

To place under a ban; prohibit
Outlawed smoking in the house.

Outlaw

To deprive (one declared to be a criminal fugitive) of the protection of the law.

Outlaw

A fugitive from the law.

Outlaw

(history) A criminal who is excluded from normal legal rights; one who can be killed at will without legal penalty.

Outlaw

A person who operates outside established norms.
The main character in the play was a bit of an outlaw who refused to shake hands or say thank you.

Outlaw

A wild horse.

Outlaw

(humorous) An in-law: a relative by marriage.

Outlaw

(humorous) One who would be an in-law except that the marriage-like relationship is unofficial.

Outlaw

(slang) A prostitute who works alone, without a pimp.

Outlaw

To declare illegal.

Outlaw

To place a ban upon.

Outlaw

To remove from legal jurisdiction or enforcement.
To outlaw a debt or claim

Outlaw

To deprive of legal force.

Outlaw

A person excluded from the benefit of the law, or deprived of its protection.

Outlaw

A person engaging habitually in criminal activity, especially theft or robbery; an habitually lawless person, especially one who is a fugitive from the law.

Outlaw

To deprive of the benefit and protection of law; to declare to be an outlaw.

Outlaw

To remove from legal jurisdiction or enforcement; as, to outlaw a debt or claim; to deprive of legal force.

Outlaw

To render illegal; to ban, prohibit, or proscribe under sanction of some penalty.

Outlaw

Someone who has committed (or been legally convicted of) a crime

Outlaw

Declare illegal; outlaw;
Marijuana is criminalized in the U.S.

Outlaw

Contrary to or forbidden by law;
An illegitimate seizure of power
Illicit trade
An outlaw strike
Unlawful measures

Outlaw

Disobedient to or defiant of law;
Lawless bands roaming the plains

Common Curiosities

What legal processes are involved in becoming an inlaw?

Becoming an inlaw involves no specific legal processes other than those pertaining to marriage.

How do cultural perceptions of inlaws and outlaws differ?

Inlaws are seen as part of one's family network, whereas outlaws are often viewed as exciting but dangerous figures.

Can the relationship with inlaws be legally defined?

The relationship with inlaws is recognized through marriage but is not specifically defined beyond that context in legal terms.

What is the romanticization of outlaws based on?

The romanticization of outlaws often stems from their perceived freedom and defiance against oppressive systems.

What are common issues faced with inlaws?

Common issues with inlaws can include interpersonal conflicts and differences in values or lifestyles.

Are outlaws always criminals?

Typically, outlaws are involved in illegal activities, making them criminals in the eyes of the law.

Can inlaws have a significant impact on personal life?

Yes, inlaws can significantly affect one's personal and family life through their involvement and relationships.

What makes someone an outlaw?

Engaging in activities deemed illegal by the governing laws makes someone an outlaw.

Are all outlaws violent?

Not all outlaws are violent; some may engage in non-violent criminal activities.

How do outlaws impact society?

Outlaws can impact society by challenging legal norms, influencing cultural narratives, and sometimes by instigating changes in law enforcement practices.

Do inlaws have legal rights in family matters?

Inlaws typically do not have specific legal rights unless stipulated by local laws or specific circumstances.

How do inlaws affect marriage dynamics?

Inlaws can affect marriage dynamics positively or negatively, depending on the individual relationships and family cultures.

How are outlaws treated by the media?

Outlaws are often sensationalized in the media, depicted either as villains or as romantic anti-heroes.

What historical examples exist of outlaws?

Historical examples include figures like Jesse James and Robin Hood.

Can someone be both an inlaw and an outlaw?

Technically, someone can be both if they are related by marriage and engage in illegal activities.

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Author Spotlight

Written by
Tayyaba Rehman
Tayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Fiza Rafique
Fiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.

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