international law

American

noun

the body of rules that nations generally recognize as binding in their conduct toward one another.

international law British

noun

the body of rules generally recognized by civilized nations as governing their conduct towards each other and towards each other's subjects

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

international law Cultural

A body of rules and principles that govern the relations among nations. (See Geneva Conventions and International Court of Justice.)

Etymology

Origin of international law

First recorded in 1830–40

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"As always, in any armed conflict, it is civilians who end up paying the ultimate price," he said, before reminding those involved that protecting civilians is "paramount" under international law.

From BBC

It is also another blow to the tottering system of international law.

From BBC

Spoljaric stressed that under international law, "civilians, the wounded and others not -- or no longer -- taking part in the fighting must be protected".

From Barron's

"Acts of hate speech and incitement to violence may amount to international crimes," Turk said, cautioning that "those responsible for such crimes may be prosecuted under international law."

From Barron's

He thanked Ukraine for ensuring international law was respected in the handling of the detainees.

From BBC

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023