legislate
LEJ-iss-layt
/ˈledʒɪsleɪt/
To make, pass, or enact laws.
Refers specifically to the formal lawmaking powers of a parliamentary or legislative body.
The story behind the word. Formed as a back-formation from 'legislator', which stems from Latin 'legislator'—a 'proposer of laws' ('lex' meaning law + 'lator' meaning proposer or bringer). Thus, to legislate is literally to bring forward laws.
Word relationships
- enact: 'Enact' means to pass a specific law or bill into legal force.
- ordain: 'Ordain' carries authoritative, decree-like, or religious overtones.
- repeal: 'Repeal' means to officially revoke or annul an existing law.
- deregulate: 'Deregulate' means to remove regulations or statutory controls.
Commonly confused with
- litigate: 'Legislate' means to make laws in a parliament; 'litigate' means to contest matters in a court of law.
Word family
- legislation (noun): Laws collectively or the act of making laws.
- legislator (noun): A lawmaker or elected representative.
- legislative (adjective): Relating to lawmaking.
Collocations
- legislate against
- legislate for
- power to legislate
- attempt to legislate
Example sentences
- "Parliament attempted to legislate against unfair employment contracts across the nation." Government
- "It is difficult to legislate human morality through statutory mandates alone." Public Policy
Memory hook
LEGIS (laws) + LATE (propose): proposing laws in the statehouse. Bringing laws into existence.
When not to use
Do not use when talking about issuing private rules, executive orders, or corporate regulations that do not pass through a legislature.
Fun facts
- The phrase 'legislate morality' became a famous political trope in 20th-century American jurisprudence debates.
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