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Legalizing Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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legalizing

[ˈliːɡəlaɪzɪŋ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

law context

Legalizing refers to the process of making something that is currently illegal permissible by law. This typically involves the passage of legislation or regulations that formally recognize certain activities or substances as lawful. The term is often associated with drugs, gambling, and certain social practices that were previously prohibited.

Synonyms

authorizing, permitting, regulating.

Examples of usage

  • The government is considering legalizing recreational marijuana.
  • Many activists are advocating for legalizing same-sex marriage.
  • The city council voted on legalizing street performers in public spaces.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

History

  • The movement toward legalizing certain activities like cannabis has roots in the counterculture of the 1960s and 70s.
  • Prohibition in the U.S. during the 1920s led to the eventual legalizing of alcohol again in 1933, showing the impact of laws on society.

Politics

  • Legalizing actions often requires changes in legislation, which can be a lengthy process involving public opinion and political debate.
  • Countries like Canada and Uruguay are among the first to fully legalize cannabis, sparking discussions on drug policy worldwide.

Social Issues

  • Legalizing same-sex marriage sparked significant social movements, aiming for equal rights for all individuals regardless of gender.
  • The debate over legalizing certain drugs stems from differing views on public health, safety, and personal freedom.

Economics

  • Legalizing activities can lead to significant economic benefits, such as increased tax revenue and reduced enforcement costs.
  • The legal cannabis industry has created thousands of jobs and generated billions in tax revenue in places where it is legalized.

Origin of 'legalizing'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'legalize' originates from the Latin word 'legalis', which means 'pertaining to the law'.
  • The suffix '-ize' means to make or to cause to become, which helps form the action of making something legal.

The term 'legalize' derives from the Latin word 'legalis', which means 'pertaining to the law'. The prefix 'leg-' comes from 'lex', meaning 'law'. The concept of legalizing activities has evolved, especially during periods of social change and reform, reflecting shifts in public perception regarding moral and ethical issues. In many societies, the legal status of certain actions or items has been contentious, leading to debates on the balance between legality, morality, and personal freedom. The modern usage of 'legalizing' has gained prominence in discussions about drug policy reform and civil rights movements since the late 20th century, as more communities and governments reconsider previous prohibitions.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,090, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.