Law/lɔː/ Definition 1 of 5Pro Tip 1/3Government Origin The word 'law' refers to official rules created by government bodies, not individuals. A tax law is passed by the government. Pro Tip 2/3Societal Impact Laws organize society by setting boundaries for behavior, often with consequences if broken. Traffic laws regulate how we must drive on roads. Pro Tip 3/3Legal Jargon Some laws have complex language; understanding them may require legal help. The contract law contained unfamiliar legal terms.