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legalize

[ lee-guh-lahyz ]
/ ˈli gəˌlaɪz /
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See synonyms for: legalize / legalized / legalization on Thesaurus.com

Definition of legalize

verb (used with object), le·gal·ized, le·gal·iz·ing.
to make legal; authorize.
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Also especially British, le·gal·ise .

Origin of legalize

First recorded in 1710–20; legal + -ize

OTHER WORDS FROM legalize

le·gal·i·za·tion, nounun·le·gal·ized, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022

How to use legalize in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for legalize

legalize

legalise

/ (ˈliːɡəˌlaɪz) /

verb (tr)
to make lawful or legal
to confirm or validate (something previously unlawful)

Derived forms of legalize

legalization or legalisation, noun
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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