legislate

UK: /ˈledʒ.ɪ.sleɪt/ | US: /ˈledʒ.ɪ.sleɪt/

Definition
  1. vi. to make or enact laws

  2. vt. to bring about by making laws

Structure
legis <law>late <carry or bring>
Etymology

The word "legislate" combines Latin roots to literally mean "to carry/bring law." It reflects the process of proposing, debating, and enacting legal statutes. The legis component ties to foundational legal terms (e.g., "legislation," "legal"), while late appears in words like "translate" (carry across) or "collate" (bring together). This pairing captures the action-driven nature of lawmaking.

Examples
  1. The council meets annually to legislate on environmental policies.

  2. It is challenging to legislate fairness in complex economic systems.

  3. The government pledged to legislate stricter data privacy laws.

  4. Historically, societies legislate morality to varying degrees.

  5. Without consensus, lawmakers cannot effectively legislate.