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

The company has maintained their decision to hat work on the non-gambling parts of the site is in protest of the city's decision to legalize video gambling terminals in bars, restaurants and convenience stores. — Sara Tenenbaum, CBS News, 10 Sep. 2026

According to Thomas, another challenge in the analysis was Connecticut’s location and its proximity to states like Massachusetts, where cannabis was legalized for recreational purposes a decade ago. — Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 8 Sep. 2026

This has been a running thing for a few years now, ever since weed was legalized in New York City. — Matt Reigle Outkick, FOXNews.com, 4 Sep. 2026

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

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