legalize
verb (used with object)
to make legal; authorize.
legalizing
-
present participleof legalize.present participle
A verb form that is used in progressive verb constructions and may also function as a modifier or a gerund.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
In 2025, Texas passed bills legalizing housing on commercially zoned land and subdivisions of starter homes, which were rendered difficult or illegal to build by municipal zoning laws, large lot requirements, or other design requirements.
From Barron's ● Jun. 24, 2026
Emboldened by a federal judge’s 2024 ruling legalizing election betting, Kalshi introduced sports betting earlier this year.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 28, 2025
But then he surprised everyone by swiftly legalizing political parties, appointing the reformist Adolfo Suárez as prime minister, and overseeing the creation of a new democratic constitution.
From Slate ● Sep. 27, 2025
If they want to be financial institutions, we should be providing a similar structure to protect the users of these technologies, rather than just legalizing scams.
From Salon ● Aug. 1, 2025
And indeed, those early- legalizing states saw crime begin to fall earlier than the other forty-five states and the District of Columbia.
From "Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything" by Steven D. Levitt
