legalize Definition
- 1to make something legal or acceptable by law
- 2to permit or authorize something that was previously prohibited
Using legalize: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "legalize" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The government decided to legalize marijuana for medical use.
Example
Several countries have legalized same-sex marriage.
Example
The company is pushing for the government to legalize online gambling.
Example
The new law will legalize the sale of fireworks in the state.
legalize Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with legalize
Example
Some people believe that legalizing drugs would reduce crime and drug-related deaths.
legalize prostitution
to make prostitution a legal activity
Example
Some countries have legalized prostitution in an attempt to regulate and control the industry.
to make euthanasia legal, or the act of intentionally ending a life to relieve suffering
Example
There is ongoing debate about whether or not to legalize euthanasia in many countries.
Origins of legalize
from legal + -ize
Summary: legalize in Brief
The verb 'legalize' [ˈliːɡəlaɪz] means to make something legal or acceptable by law, often by permitting or authorizing something that was previously prohibited. Examples include legalizing marijuana for medical use or same-sex marriage. The phrase 'legalize drugs' refers to making the production, sale, and use of drugs legal, while 'legalize prostitution' refers to making prostitution a legal activity. The term is often used formally, as in 'The government decided to legalize online gambling,' or informally, as in 'They finally gave the green light to legalize fireworks.'