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Definition of legalize

legalize

/ˈliː.ɡə.laɪz/
(UK: legalise)
le · gal · ize
Adverb:legally
•
Adjective:legal
•
Past Simple:legalized
•
Past Participle:legalized
•
Present Participle:legalizing
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legalize Lexical Profile

legalize Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To make something permissible by law that was previously unlawful or prohibited.

Example

"Several states have recently voted to legalize sports betting under strict regulatory oversight."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for legalize
Antonyms
View all antonyms for legalize

Word Nuance & Usage

'Legalize' means to make an activity completely lawful and regulated, whereas 'decriminalize' means to remove criminal penalties while often retaining civil fines or regulatory restrictions.

• Rhymes for legalize

• Nearby Words

legalist
legality
legalization
legalize
legally
legation
legato

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the early 18th century (or adopted from French légaliser), formed from the adjective 'legal' (from Latin legalis, from lex meaning 'law') and the verb-forming suffix '-ize'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Legalize. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/legalize
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