criminalize

[ krim-uh-nl-ahyz ]

verb (used with object)

, crim·i·nal·ized, crim·i·nal·iz·ing.

1. to make punishable as a crime:

   To reduce the graffiti on subway cars, he wants to criminalize the selling of spray paint to minors.

2. to make a criminal of:

   Drug use has criminalized him.

criminalize

/ ˈkrɪmɪnəˌlaɪz /

verb

1. to make (an action or activity) criminal
2. to treat (a person) as a criminal

Derived Forms

• ˌcriminaliˈzation, noun

Other Words From

• crimi·nal·i·zation noun
• recrim·i·nal·i·zation noun
• re·crimi·nal·ize verb (used with object) recriminalized recriminalizing

Word History and Origins

Origin of criminalize¹

First recorded in 1955–60; criminal + -ize

Example Sentences

An excessive response could give the impression that authorities are criminalizing political views, which could worsen radicalization among right-wing groups and individuals for whom suspicion of government is a core tenet.

From ProPublica

Elected officials and advocates hope the latest measures including the new matrix and the city and state laws criminalizing the use of chokeholds will lead to more substantive discipline.

From ProPublica

If the US can't prosecute Assange, it means there won't precedent criminalizing newsgathering.

From Fortune

We would be much better off seeking services in community-based behavioral health or family support programs than criminalizing this behavior.

From ProPublica

Public health experts interviewed for this story raised questions about criminalizing this kind of behavior and said it could potentially be dangerous if it means people spend time in jail.

From ProPublica

I think if people were to realize that, it would be much harder to criminalize and dismiss us.

From The Daily Beast

No, Mr. Taranto, what America wants to do is criminalize rape.

From The Daily Beast

Despite this, in March Indian parliamentarians rejected proposals to criminalize marital rape.

From The Daily Beast

Now the attempt is somehow to criminalize bureaucratic error.

From The Daily Beast

The proposed legislation arrives in tandem with another law that would effectively criminalize graffiti.

From The Daily Beast