Definition

1. Verb:
   • To make something illegal; to declare or render something unlawful by law or official action. The core meaning is to change the legal status of an activity, substance, or practice from legal or permitted to prohibited.

Usage

• The verb illegalise is used with a direct object (a thing or action that is made illegal).
• It is a transitive verb.
• It is often used in formal, legal, or political contexts when discussing changes in legislation.
• The more common spelling in American English is illegalize.

Examples

• The government passed a new law to illegalise the use of certain performance-enhancing drugs in sports.
• Many countries have moved to illegalise the trade of endangered animal products.
• The proposed bill seeks to illegalise single-use plastics within the city limits.

Advanced Usage

• "To illegalise an activity": This is the standard construction, focusing on the act that is being prohibited.
  • The council voted to illegalise smoking in all public parks.
• The process of illegalising is often part of a wider political or social debate.
  • The debate over whether to illegalise a substance often involves discussions about public health and personal freedom.

Variants and Related Words

• Illegalize (verb): The American English spelling variant of "illegalise". It has the same meaning and usage.
• Criminalize (verb): A close synonym that often implies attaching criminal penalties to the now-illegal act.
  • The law didn't just illegalise the substance; it criminalized its possession.
• Outlaw (verb): To declare something illegal; to ban. It can have a more forceful or historical connotation.
• Prohibit (verb): To formally forbid something by law, rule, or other authority. It is a broader term.
• Ban (verb): To officially or legally prohibit.

Synonyms

• Criminalize
• Outlaw
• Prohibit
• Ban
• Forbid by law

Antonyms

• Legalize
• Decriminalize
• Permit
• Authorize
• Allow

Related Phrases

• To pass a law illegalising...: A common phrase describing the legislative action.
  • Parliament passed a law illegalising the practice.
• Move to illegalise: Describes the intention or effort to make something illegal.
  • There is a growing movement to illegalise this type of fishing.

Verb

1. declare illegal; outlaw
   • Marijuana is criminalized in the U.S.