legalization
UK: ˌliːɡəlaɪˈzeɪʃən | US: ˌliːɡələˈzeɪʃən
n. the act or process of making something legal, especially by official authority.
The word "legalization" combines "legal," derived from the Latin legalis (pertaining to law, from lex "law"), with the suffix "-ization," which originates from Greek -izein (via Latin -izare and French -isation). This suffix denotes the process of causing or becoming. Thus, "legalization" literally means "the process of making lawful." The term reflects a formal transition from prohibition or illegality to state-sanctioned acceptance, often used in contexts like drug policy or social reforms.
The legalization of same-sex marriage marked a historic shift in civil rights.
Advocates argue that the legalization of cannabis could reduce illegal drug trade.
The government debated the legalization of euthanasia for years.
Legalization of online gambling has boosted tax revenues in some regions.
Critics worry that legalization may normalize harmful behaviors.