criminalize

American  

[krim-uh-nl-ahyz] / ˈkrɪm ə nlˌaɪz /

especially British, criminalise

verb (used with object)

criminalized, criminalizing

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.

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criminalize British  

/ ˈkrɪmɪnəˌlaɪz /

verb

1. to make (an action or activity) criminal

2. to treat (a person) as a criminal

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Other Word Forms

• criminalization noun
• recriminalization noun
• recriminalize verb (used with object)

Etymology

Origin of criminalize

First recorded in 1955–60; criminal + -ize

Example Sentences

The new policy, set by the California Natural Resources Agency, aims to start healing the harm caused by the state’s actions to bar tribes from their homelands and criminalize their cultural and land management practices.

From Los Angeles Times

“It does make people feel scared and criminalized.”

From Salon

Article 133 covers dishonorable conduct, while Article 134 is the catchall provision criminalizing conduct that is harmful to good order and discipline or brings discredit on the armed forces.

From The Wall Street Journal

Venezuela’s National Assembly has approved a measure criminalizing activities that hinder navigation and commerce, including the seizure of oil tankers.

From Los Angeles Times

If he was right, the recently disclosed battles over criminalizing noncriminal conduct may be the beginning of the process.

From The Wall Street Journal