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Legalise Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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legalise

[ˈliːɡəlaɪz ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

law context

To legalise something means to make it lawful or permissible by law. This can involve modifying existing laws or enacting new regulations to allow certain activities that were previously prohibited. The process of legalisation can apply to various issues such as drug use, same-sex marriage, or gambling. It often involves public debate, legislative action, and sometimes referendums to gauge public opinion.

Synonyms

allow, authorize, permit.

Examples of usage

  • The government plans to legalise recreational marijuana.
  • Several states have moved to legalise same-sex marriage.
  • Activists are campaigning to legalise euthanasia for terminally ill patients.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

History

  • In the 20th century, many countries began to legalise certain substances that were previously banned, sparking various social movements.
  • The legalisation of alcohol in the United States in 1933 after Prohibition marked a significant cultural shift.
  • Various nations have legalised same-sex marriage, reflecting changing societal attitudes toward LGBTQ+ rights.

Cultural Impact

  • Legalisation of certain activities, like marijuana use in some states, has led to a increase in debates about public health and safety.
  • Different cultures view legalisation differently—some see it as progress while others may view it as a threat to societal values.
  • The legalisation of gambling in various regions has resulted in both economic growth and concerns over addiction.

Political Perspectives

  • Legalising various substances or practices often requires political debate and may lead to protests both for and against the changes.
  • Certain political parties prioritize legalisation as a part of their platform, campaigning for reforms in drug laws or marriage rights.
  • The 'legalisation vs. decriminalisation' debate highlights differing opinions on how to appropriately manage laws regarding sensitive issues.

Psychological Perspectives

  • Studies suggest that legalising certain behaviors can lead to changes in public perception and decreased stigma around those activities.
  • The psychology of people may shift with legalisation, as individuals feel more comfortable engaging in activities that were once prohibited.
  • Legalisation often leads to a reassessment of risks and benefits, prompting public discussion about health and safety.

Origin of 'legalise'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'legalise' comes from the Latin word 'legalis' which means 'pertaining to the law'.
  • The process of legalising something involves changing laws or rules to make a previously forbidden action or item acceptable.
  • Different countries have their own processes for legalisation, reflecting their unique legal systems.

The word 'legalise' originates from the late 19th century and is derived from the word 'legal', which itself comes from the Latin 'legalis', meaning 'pertaining to the law'. The Latin root is from 'lex', meaning 'law'. The suffix '-ise' is a common verb-forming ending in English, indicating the action of making something into a particular state or condition. The term has been used in legal, political, and social contexts, often relating to the debates surrounding the acceptability of various practices within a society. Over time, as societal norms have evolved, the usage of 'legalise' has expanded to include a wide range of activities and issues, reflecting changing attitudes towards regulation and personal freedom.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,780, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.