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

This tragic situation underscores a much larger issue — Florida has yet to legalize medical aid in dying (MAiD) as an additional end-of-life option. —Tony Ray, Orlando Sentinel, 27 Feb. 2025

Additionally, the analyst believes any attempts to further legalize online sports betting and iGaming are unlikely to pass this year. —Sean Conlon, CNBC, 26 Feb. 2025

As states continue to legalize, and federal reform remains a hot topic, the opportunities for growth are immense. —Matt Rozo, The Mercury News, 26 Feb. 2025

Barack Obama tried to use executive action to legalize a number of undocumented immigrants. —NBC News, 23 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1652, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for legalize

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

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