legalize

verb

le·​gal·​ize ˈlē-gə-ˌlīz 

legalized; legalizing

transitive verb

: to make legal

especially : to give legal validity or sanction to

legalization

ˌlē-gə-lə-ˈzā-shən 

noun

legalizer

ˈlē-gə-ˌlī-zər 

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

Jocelyn Xoletl, who joined the office after Navarrete helped a family friend legalize their status, marveled at her boss’ energy. — Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2026

The new legal framework, published in the Official Gazette, is the deepest overhaul of the island’s private sector since small and medium enterprises were legalized in 2021. — Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 2 Sep. 2026

Medical cannabis was legalized in Thailand in 2022 and dispensaries have become common in Thai cities. — ABC News, 1 Sep. 2026

Recently, Capifali helped guide the Johnson administration through a tiff with aldermen who legalized video gambling terminals over the mayor’s objections. — Alice Yin, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1652, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for legalize

• advertise
• aggrandize
• alibis
• alkalies
• alkalis
• amortize
• amplifies
• analyse
• analyze
• anywise
• authorize
• butterflies

Kids Definition

legalize

verb

le·​gal·​ize ˈlē-gə-ˌlīz 

legalized; legalizing

: to make legal

wanted to legalize gambling in their city

legalization

ˌlē-gə-lə-ˈzā-shən 

noun

Legal Definition

legalize

transitive verb

le·​gal·​ize ˈlē-gə-ˌlīz 

legalized; legalizing

: to make legal

especially : to give legal validity or sanction to

legalization noun

legalizer noun