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 Recently, the Biden administration recommended reclassifying cannabis as a drug with less abuse potential at the federal level, a move that would effectively legalize its medical use nationwide. Joao P. De Aquino, Scientific American, 8 Aug. 2024 It's been nine months since 55% of Ohioans voted to legalize recreational marijuana sales and possession for the first time in state history. Alissa Widman Neese, Axios, 6 Aug. 2024 Walz has also signed legislation legalizing recreational marijuana and establishing a board that would expunge or resentence lower-level cannabis convictions. Nik Popli, TIME, 6 Aug. 2024 In 2020, Oregonians passed Measure 109, which legalized the supervised use of psilocybin and established a novel system for its manufacturing and consumption. Benjamin Y. Fong, Discover Magazine, 3 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for legalize 

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 18 Aug. 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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