Word
legalize
Phoneticsle·gal·ize, stress on the first syllable
/ˈɫiɡəˌɫaɪz/
UK spelling · legalise
Definition
v. to make something that was against the law allowed by the law.
v. to make an action or practice lawful by legislative or judicial action.
Examples
“The government plans to legalize certain types of medicine.”
“After years of public debate, the country voted to legalize the sale of specific products that were previously banned.”
“Proponents argue that the decision to legalize the industry will generate significant tax revenue and reduce the influence of black-market operations.”
Examples
simple
“The government plans to legalize certain types of medicine.”
contextual
“After years of public debate, the country voted to legalize the sale of specific products that were previously banned.”
complex
“Proponents argue that the decision to legalize the industry will generate significant tax revenue and reduce the influence of black-market operations.”
Usage
The verb is transitive and requires a direct object.
Pitfall
The legalization of the law
The legalization of the practice
You legalize an activity or a substance, not the law itself; laws are passed, amended, or repealed.
Real-World Examples
“He has previously said he personally believes that funding for end-of-life care in the UK should be improved before legalising assisted dying is considered.” “Photograph: Charlotte Caldwell He is alive and free of seizures, and is something of a celebrity: the boy who helped to legalise cannabis-based medicine in the UK.” Etymology
From legal + -ize. Piecewise doublet of loyalize.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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