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 The Roman Emperor Constantine legalized Christianity in A.D. 313, and for seven decades, the new faith and age-old paganism existed side by side. Joshua Hammer, Smithsonian Magazine, 15 May 2024 The vast majority of Kansas voters support legalizing marijuana for medicinal and recreational purposes, according to an annual public opinion survey conducted by Fort Hays State University. Jenna Barackman, Kansas City Star, 9 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for legalize 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'legalize.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 19 May. 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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