legalize

especially British, le·gal·ise

[lee-guh-lahyz]

verb (used with object)

legalized, legalizing 

1. to make legal; authorize.

legalize

/ ˈliːɡəˌlaɪz /

verb

1. to make lawful or legal

2. to confirm or validate (something previously unlawful)

Other Word Forms

• legalization noun
• unlegalized adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of legalize¹

First recorded in 1710–20; legal + -ize

Example Sentences

Call volume soared in recent years as dozens of states legalized sports betting and the industry centralized its problem gambling efforts to one point of contact.

Read more on Barron's

Accordingly, he called for legalizing the practice so it could be “brought out of the underground and into the sunlight where it can be appropriately monitored and regulated.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Over a decade ago, when sports-betting apps weren’t legally available, Silver was one of the earliest and most influential advocates for legalizing sports gambling.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Since a 2018 Supreme Court ruling paved the way for sports betting, more than 35 states have legalized it, so I understand why the industry no longer feels dirty.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Commissioner Adam Silver was an early proponent of legalized gambling, and it was his gravitas that nudged other sports to come along.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• approve 
• authorize 
• codify 
• constitute 
• decriminalize 
• enact 
• permit 
• regulate