legalize

verb

le·​gal·​ize ˈlē-gə-ˌlīz How to pronounce legalize (audio)
legalized; legalizing

transitive verb

: to make legal
especially : to give legal validity or sanction to
legalization noun
legalizer noun

Examples of legalize in a Sentence

They wanted to legalize gambling in their city. The government has legalized the use of the new drug.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But members of Klein’s caucus have shown some resistance to legalizing sports betting in Minnesota. Mary Murphy, Twin Cities, 27 Dec. 2024 Most Germans are in favor of fully legalizing recreational cannabis months after the government approved its use for personal consumption and amid the upcoming federal elections. Dario Sabaghi, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024 England and Wales are on the cusp of legalizing medically assisted dying. Mark Taubert, Newsweek, 20 Dec. 2024 Key to these efforts: legalizing the military bases Turkey has established in northern Syria in recent years. Taylor Luck, The Christian Science Monitor, 18 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for legalize 

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1652, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of legalize was circa 1652

Dictionary Entries Near legalize

Cite this Entry

“Legalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/legalize. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

legalize

verb
le·​gal·​ize ˈlē-gə-ˌlīz How to pronounce legalize (audio)
legalized; legalizing
: to make legal
wanted to legalize gambling in their city
legalization noun

Legal Definition

legalize

transitive verb
le·​gal·​ize ˈlē-gə-ˌlīz How to pronounce legalize (audio)
legalized; legalizing
: to make legal
especially : to give legal validity or sanction to
legalization noun
legalizer noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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