legalize
UK: ˈliːɡəlaɪz | US: ˈliːɡəlaɪz
vt. to make something legal or permissible by law
vt. to authorize or sanction formally
legalize = legal<law> + ize<verb suffix>
- legal: From Latin legalis (relating to the law), derived from lex (law).
- ize: A verb-forming suffix of Greek origin (-izein), indicating "to make" or "to render."
Etymology Origin:
The word legalize combines legal, rooted in Latin lex (law), with the suffix -ize, which transforms nouns into verbs meaning "to make X." Historically, it reflects societal processes of formalizing actions (e.g., prohibitions or rights) through legal frameworks. The suffix -ize became productive in English during the Renaissance, often used to create verbs from Latinate roots.
The government voted to legalize recreational marijuana.
Many activists push to legalize same-sex marriage worldwide.
Some countries hesitate to legalize euthanasia due to ethical concerns.
The new bill aims to legalize urban farming in residential zones.
Historically, societies gradually legalize practices once deemed taboo.