Legislate
/ˈledʒɪsleɪt/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo make laws; to bring about or regulate by law.
/ˈledʒɪsleɪt/
To make or enact laws.
The parliament legislated a new tax law.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're the boss of a game and you need to make the rules. 'Legislate' is like setting those rules in stone! For example, if you legislate a new rule for bedtime, it means you're officially making it a law for everyone.
👶 For kids: To make a new rule that everyone has to follow.
More Examples
The committee will legislate on environmental protection.
They are planning to legislate against smoking in public places.
How It's Used
"The government legislates on matters of public health."
"New regulations were legislated to protect consumer rights."
To cause something to happen or to control it by law.
/ˈledʒɪsleɪt/
To control or regulate something using the power of law
The new bill aims to legislate the use of artificial intelligence.
💡 Simply: Like making the official rules of a video game, 'legislate' means using law to control or cause something to happen. For example, if you legislate the speed limit, you're officially controlling how fast people can drive.
👶 For kids: To use rules to control something.
More Examples
The EU is working to legislate stricter environmental standards.
They attempted to legislate against corporate monopolies.
How It's Used
"The government legislated on the use of drones for surveillance."
Synonyms
From Latin *lēgislātus*, past participle of *lēgislāre* 'to propose a law', from *lēx* (law) + *lātus* (carried, brought), past participle of *ferre* (to bear, carry).
The word 'legislate' has been used since the 16th century, primarily in the context of making and enacting laws within a governing body or system.
Memory tip
Think of the word 'legislate' and imagine a LEGO set. Legislators build laws, just like constructing a LEGO model, piece by piece.