verb
Uncommon
legalize
LEE-guh-lyz
Legalize (verb) means to make something officially permitted by law. Example: “Several states have voted to legalize recreational marijuana.”
verb
1
To make something officially permitted by law.
"Several states have voted to legalize recreational marijuana."
"The government moved to legalize same-sex marriage in 2015."
How to use legalize
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo turn something that was banned into something officially allowed.
UK vs US
British English often spells this "legalise," while American English prefers "legalize."
Common pairings
legalize marijuana
legalize gambling
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- legalizes
- Past tense
- legalized
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Several states have voted to _____ recreational marijuana.
Etymology
From legal plus -ize, "to make."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for legalize
See all rhymes for legalize →Frequently asked questions
What does “legalize” mean?
The word “legalize” means to make something officially permitted by law. In plain terms, to turn something that was banned into something officially allowed.
How do you pronounce “legalize”?
“Legalize” is pronounced LEE-guh-lyz (/ˈliːɡəlaɪz/ in IPA).
How do you use “legalize” in a sentence?
Here is “legalize” used in a sentence: “Several states have voted to legalize recreational marijuana.”
What is the opposite of “legalize”?
The opposite of “legalize” — its antonyms — are criminalize and illegalize.
What part of speech is “legalize”?
“Legalize” is a verb.
Is “legalize” a common word?
“Legalize” is an uncommon word in modern English.
