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 changes included Phoenix's legalizing accessory dwelling units, changing parking requirements for multifamily housing and prohibiting source-of-income discrimination. Taylor Seely, The Arizona Republic, 15 Mar. 2024 In recent decades, states across the country have moved to legalize medical and recreational marijuana. Mike Baker, New York Times, 2 Mar. 2024 This spike is due to a 2018 Supreme Court decision that allowed for states to legalize the activity. David Clarey, Journal Sentinel, 1 Mar. 2024 The Kansas House voted in 2021 to legalize medical marijuana. Katie Bernard, Kansas City Star, 29 Feb. 2024 Polls show strong support among residents for legalizing medical marijuana. Ian Max Stevenson, Idaho Statesman, 21 Feb. 2024 In 2022, residents in Colorado joined Oregon in voting to legalize psilocybin. Amy Woodyatt, CNN, 19 Feb. 2024 Soon after taking office, Gaetz helped draft legislation that legalized medical marijuana; his father, then the Senate president, supported the bill. Dexter Filkins, The New Yorker, 19 Feb. 2024 Gilbert warned Wednesday that other states that legalized recreational sales struggled to displace the black market for marijuana, which operates without taxes, regulations or restrictions. Laura Vozzella, Washington Post, 28 Feb. 2024

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 Mar. 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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