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Legalize: meaning, definitions and examples

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legalize

 

[ ˈliːɡəlaɪz ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

law and politics

To legalize something means to make it legal or legitimate according to the law. This process often involves changes in legislation or regulations to allow for an activity that was previously prohibited. Legalizing an activity can also include the establishment of terms and conditions under which it can be practiced. The process reflects shifts in societal values or norms regarding specific behaviors or substances.

Synonyms

allow, authorize, permit, validate

Examples of usage

  • The state plans to legalize recreational marijuana.
  • Activists are working to legalize same-sex marriage.
  • Many countries are considering whether to legalize certain drugs.

Translations

Translations of the word "legalize" in other languages:

🇵🇹 legalizar

🇮🇳 कानूनी करना

🇩🇪 legalisieren

🇮🇩 melegalisir

🇺🇦 узаконити

🇵🇱 legalizować

🇯🇵 合法化する

🇫🇷 légaliser

🇪🇸 legalizar

🇹🇷 yasallaştırmak

🇰🇷 합법화하다

🇸🇦 تقنين

🇨🇿 legalizovat

🇸🇰 legalizovať

🇨🇳 合法化

🇸🇮 legalizirati

🇮🇸 lögfesta

🇰🇿 заңдастыру

🇬🇪 ლეგალიზაცია

🇦🇿 qanuniləşdirmək

🇲🇽 legalizar

Word origin

The term 'legalize' originates from the mid-19th century, derived from the French word 'légaliser,' which means to make legal. It combines the prefix 'legal,' relating to the law, and the suffix '-ize,' indicating the process of making or becoming. This process first emerged in discussions surrounding various social movements and legal reforms, especially pertaining to personal freedoms and regulatory frameworks. The broader use of 'legalize' has evolved to encompass a wide range of activities, from recreational substance use to the recognition of rights and privileges under the law. Over time, as societal norms have evolved, the debate over what should or should not be legalized has led to significant legal reforms in many countries, reflecting changing attitudes towards governance and personal autonomy.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,892, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.