criminalize
verb (used with object)
to make punishable as a crime.
criminalise
-
a variation of
criminalize.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
According to Human Rights Watch, "several penal code provisions, as well as the cybercrime law, criminalise speech deemed insulting to religion, the emir or foreign leaders".
From Barron's ● Aug. 25, 2026
"We need not to criminalise young people, we need to support them because once you're in the criminal justice system it's very hard to get out."
From BBC ● Jul. 22, 2026
Of Africa's 54 countries, only about 20 do not currently criminalise same-sex relations.
From Barron's ● Jul. 21, 2026
Their case was widely criticised by aid agencies and human rights campaigners as an attempt to criminalise humanitarian aid, and was seen as having profound implications for migration policy across Europe.
From BBC ● Jan. 15, 2026
Last week the Scottish government said it would not bring forward planned legislation to criminalise misogyny before next year's election.
From BBC ● May 6, 2025
