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.
Since the Russian invasion in February 2022 and the ongoing three-year conflict, Kyiv took steps to legalize medical cannabis in December 2023 to help address the rising public health challenges caused by the war. Dario Sabaghi, Forbes.com, 19 May 2025 For decades, state lawmakers had shot down plans to legalize casino gambling. Ben Paviour, New York Times, 19 May 2025 Psilocybin, the psychedelic compound found in magic mushrooms, became the first hallucinogenic substance to be decriminalized in the U.S. after Denver voted to legalize possession of it in 2019. Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 May 2025 Before sports betting was legalized, Heather Eshleman, the prevention manager at the Maryland Center of Excellence on Problem Gambling, got roughly three requests a year from educators requesting presentations on sports betting addiction. Rachel Hale, USA Today, 14 May 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Legalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/legalize. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on legalize

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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