Legalized: meaning, definitions and examples
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legalized
[ ˈliːɡəlaɪzd ]
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.
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
Etymology
The term 'legalized' derives from the word 'legal', which comes from the Latin 'legalis', meaning 'pertaining to the law'. The Latin term itself is rooted in 'lex', meaning 'law'. The practice of legalizing activities or substances has been recorded throughout history as societies evolve and adapt their legal frameworks in response to cultural, economic, and moral considerations. The legalization movement has gained significant traction in recent decades, particularly with issues such as drug use, same-sex marriage, and gambling reforms, reflecting broader changes in social attitudes and values. This evolution highlights the dynamic nature of law and the ongoing discussion around what should be considered legal and illegal in society.