4-dimethylaminopyridine lithium nitrate crystal (4-DMAPLN) was synthesized by the slow evaporation solution growth technique. The titular crystal was subjected to various studies to recognize its physicochemical properties. The crystalline nature and orthorhombic crystal system were revealed by single crystal and powder XRD. FTIR spectroscopy study confirms the various modes of vibrations available in the titular crystal. Linear optical studies show the lower cut-off wavelength of 280 nm with an optical bandgap value (E<inf>g</inf>) of 4.3 eV. The electrical behavior of the 4-DMAPLN crystal was studied using dielectric studies. The mechanical behavior of the grown crystal was analyzed using the Vicker’s microhardness study, revealing that the grown crystal belongs to the hard category. The second-order nonlinear optical (NLO) behavior of 4-DMAPLN crystal was measured using Kurtz–Perry powder techniques and it was found to be 1.17 times higher than reference KDP. Z-scan analysis reveals 4-DMAPLN is a suitable candidate for optical limiting applications. © 2021 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.