1. makes something legal or lawful; gives legal status to something that was previously illegal
Usage: third person singular present tense of ‘legalize’

Examples

• The new law legalizes the use of medical marijuana in the state.
• The government legalizes same-sex marriage with this legislation.
• This bill legalizes certain forms of gambling that were previously banned.
• The court ruling legalizes the practice that had been in dispute.
• The amendment legalizes activities that were once considered criminal.
• When a country legalizes something, it removes criminal penalties for that action.