legalize

le·gal·ize

transitive verb \ˈlē-gə-ˌlīz\

: to make (something) legal : to allow (something) by law

le·gal·izedle·gal·iz·ing

Full Definition of LEGALIZE

:  to make legal; especially :  to give legal validity or sanction to

— le·gal·i·za·tion \ˌlē-gə-lə-ˈzā-shən\ noun

— le·gal·iz·er \ˈlē-gə-ˌlī-zər\ noun

Examples of LEGALIZE

1. They wanted to legalize gambling in their city.
2. The government has legalized the use of the new drug.

First Known Use of LEGALIZE

circa 1716