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Legalization: meaning, definitions and examples

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legalization

 

[ liːɡəlaɪˈzeɪʃən ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

law context

Legalization refers to the process of making something that was previously prohibited by law permissible. This often applies to substances, behaviors, or practices that had previously been regulated or banned by governmental authorities. Legalization can involve a wide range of issues, from drug use to gambling and beyond. The motivations for legalization can include public safety, economic benefits, and social justice. The debate surrounding legalization often includes discussions about regulation, taxation, and the potential societal impacts.

Synonyms

authorization, certification, licensing, sanctioning.

Examples of usage

  • The legalization of marijuana has generated significant economic benefits.
  • Many advocates support the legalization of same-sex marriage.
  • The country is considering the legalization of online gambling.
  • Legalization efforts have illustrated the need for public awareness.
  • The legalization of certain drugs remains a controversial topic.

Translations

Translations of the word "legalization" in other languages:

🇵🇹 legalização

🇮🇳 कानूनीकरण

🇩🇪 Legalisierung

🇮🇩 legalisasi

🇺🇦 легалізація

🇵🇱 legalizacja

🇯🇵 合法化

🇫🇷 légalisation

🇪🇸 legalización

🇹🇷 legalizasyon

🇰🇷 합법화

🇸🇦 شرعية

🇨🇿 legalizace

🇸🇰 legalizácia

🇨🇳 合法化

🇸🇮 legalizacija

🇮🇸 lögfesting

🇰🇿 заңдастыру

🇬🇪 ლეგალიზაცია

🇦🇿 qanuniləşdirmə

🇲🇽 legalización

Etymology

The term 'legalization' is derived from the root word 'legal', which comes from the Latin 'legalis', meaning 'lawful'. The process of legalizing something often echoes historical issues related to social norms and legislation. Legalization movements have emerged in various contexts, such as the Prohibition era in the United States during the early 20th century, when the banning of alcohol led to a push for its subsequent legalization. Over the years, as societal attitudes have evolved, so too has the concept of legalization, particularly in areas concerning personal freedoms and individual rights. The word has been increasingly used since the latter half of the 20th century, particularly as debates over drug legality, marriage rights, and other sociopolitical issues have surfaced globally.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,331, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.