The action of authorizing a person or thing; formal permission or approval; an instance of this. Also: the action of making legally valid.

The action of authorizing a person or thing (in various senses of the verb); authorization.

The action of legitimate, v.

The action of making or declaring something lawful or legitimate; authorization; justification; an instance of this.

The action of legalizing.

= legitimization, n.

The action or process of decriminalizing, esp. the legalization of (the possession and use of) certain narcotic drugs.