Legalized: meaning, definitions and examples
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legalized
[ˈliːɡəlaɪzd ]
Definition
law context
Legalized refers to the process of making something lawful that was previously prohibited. This often involves the enactment of legislation or changes in policy. For example, many regions have legalized certain drugs that were once illegal, altering the legal status and regulation of their use. Legalization can also pertain to marriage, gambling, and other activities that were once restricted. This term is often associated with social and political movements advocating for change.
Synonyms
approved, authorized, permitted, sanctioned, validated.
Examples of usage
- The state has legalized recreational marijuana.
- Same-sex marriage was finally legalized across the country.
- Cities are considering whether to legalize street vending.
- The movement aims to legalize assisted dying.
- In several countries, gambling has been legalized.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The term comes from 'legal', which has roots from the Latin word 'legalis', meaning 'pertaining to the law'.
- In English, it has been used since the 15th century, evolving to represent actions or items sanctioned by law.
Historical Context
- In the United States, the process of legalizing substances such as alcohol was a significant aspect of the 21st Amendment in 1933, which ended Prohibition.
- Many countries have seen waves of legalization movements, especially concerning cannabis, reflecting changing societal norms.
Sociopolitical Impact
- Legalization often sparks intense public debate, balancing social norms and legal frameworks against individual freedoms.
- The legalization of certain activities or substances can lead to significant changes in public health, safety, and economic factors.
Pop Culture
- Movies and TV shows often depict the journey of legalization, showcasing the struggle and triumph of advocates.
- Songs and literature sometimes explore the societal impacts of legalization, framing it within larger cultural discussions.
Global Perspectives
- Different countries have varying approaches to legalization, from Portugal's decriminalization of drugs to Canada's cannabis legalization in 2018.
- Economic arguments often accompany calls for legalization, as seen in debates about taxation and regulation benefits.
Translations
Translations of the word "legalized" in other languages:
🇵🇹 legalizado
🇮🇳 कानूनीकरण
🇩🇪 legalisiert
🇮🇩 dilegalkan
🇺🇦 узаконений
🇵🇱 zalegalizowany
🇯🇵 合法化された
🇫🇷 légalisé
🇪🇸 legalizado
🇹🇷 yasallaştırılmış
🇰🇷 합법화된
🇸🇦 شرعي
🇨🇿 legalizovaný
🇸🇰 legalizovaný
🇨🇳 合法化的
🇸🇮 legaliziran
🇮🇸 lögfest
🇰🇿 заңдастырылған
🇬🇪 ლეგალიზებული
🇦🇿 qanuniləşdirilmiş
🇲🇽 legalizado