illegalize

Intermediate (B1)

IPA: /ɪˈliːɡəlaɪz/

KK: /ɪˈliːɡəlaɪz/

transitive verb

Definition

To make something against the law or not allowed by law.

Example

The government decided to illegalize the sale of certain drugs.

Tense Forms

Past: illegalized

Past Participle: illegalized

Conversation

Did you hear they want to illegalize smoking in public parks?

Yeah, I read about that! It’s about time.

I know, right? It’ll make the parks much nicer for everyone.

Exactly! I support any measures that help clean up the environment.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

proscribe

ban

forbid

Antonyms

permit

allow

legalize

Root Explanation

Illegalize → It is formed from "il-" (meaning not), "legal" (from Latin "legalis", meaning lawful), and "-ize" (meaning to make). The word "illegalize" means to make something not lawful or to declare it illegal.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not' ('il-') making something 'lawful' ('legal') into something that is 'not lawful' — that's what illegalize means.

Visually Confused Words