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View synonyms for decriminalize

decriminalize

[ dee-krim-uh-nl-ahyz ]

verb (used with object)

, de·crim·i·nal·ized, de·crim·i·nal·iz·ing.
  1. to eliminate criminal penalties for or remove legal restrictions against:

    to decriminalize marijuana.



decriminalize

/ diːˈkrɪmənəˌlaɪz /

verb

  1. tr to remove (an action) from the legal category of criminal offence

    to decriminalize the possession of marijuana

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


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Derived Forms

  • ˌdecriminaliˈzation, noun
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Other Words From

  • de·crimi·nal·i·zation noun
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Word History and Origins

Origin of decriminalize1

An Americanism dating back to 1965–70; de- + criminal + -ize
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Example Sentences

In December, the House of Representatives voted to pass a bill that would decriminalize marijuana at the federal level, though it is unclear how the bill might fare in a split Senate.

Consensual same-sex sexual relations remain decriminalized in the rest of Indonesia outside of the cities of Pariaman and Palembang in the provinces of West Sumatra and South Sumatra respectively.

Meanwhile, some say continued efforts to decriminalize marijuana could help expand educational opportunities.

Back in 1973, it was the first state to decriminalize cannabis.

The vote was 228-to-164 and marked the first time either chamber of Congress has voted on the issue of federally decriminalizing cannabis.

The World Health Organization recommends that countries decriminalize sex work.

He once ran for sheriff of Pitkin County, Colorado, on the Freak Power ticket, promising to decriminalize drugs.

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