law

(noun) the collection of rules imposed by authority. Synonyms: jurisprudence. Examples: "Civilization presupposes respect for the law." "The great problem for jurisprudence to allow freedom while enforcing order."

(noun) legal document setting forth rules governing a particular kind of activity. Example: "There is a law against kidnapping."

(noun) a rule or body of rules of conduct inherent in human nature and essential to or binding upon human society. Synonyms: natural law.

(noun) a generalization that describes recurring facts or events in nature. Synonyms: law of nature. Example: "The laws of thermodynamics."

(noun) the branch of philosophy concerned with the law and the principles that lead courts to make the decisions they do. Synonyms: jurisprudence, legal philosophy.

(noun) the learned profession that is mastered by graduate study in a law school and that is responsible for the judicial system. Synonyms: practice of law. Example: "He studied law at yale."

(noun) the force of policemen and officers. Synonyms: police, police force, constabulary. Example: "The law came looking for him."