# legalize

/ˈɫiɡəˌɫaɪz/ (US) · CEFR B2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/legalize
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

to make something that was against the law allowed by the law.

For teachers: 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "The legalization of the law" but "The legalization of the practice" — You legalize an activity or a substance, not the law itself; laws are passed, amended, or repealed.

## Usage notes

- The verb is transitive and requires a direct object.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.