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

Derived Forms

• ˌdecriminaliˈzation, noun

Other Words From

• de·crimi·nal·i·zation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of decriminalize¹

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

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.

From Washington Post

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.

From Washington Blade

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

From Washington Post

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

From Popular-Science

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

From Washington Post

The World Health Organization recommends that countries decriminalize sex work.

From The Daily Beast

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

From The Daily Beast

Related Words

• legitimize