criminalize
verb (used with object)
to make punishable as a crime.
criminalizes
-
present tense formof criminalize (3rd person singular).present tense
Used to describe things happening now or regularly.
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.
The state law criminalizes only harassment near a house of worship, with harassment defined as conduct that places a person in reasonable fear for his safety.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 13, 2026
The court didn’t reach Louisiana’s separate argument that the Comstock Act criminalizes the mailing of mifepristone, but that doesn’t mean that he won’t embrace that claim later too.
From Slate ● Apr. 13, 2026
In May 2025, President Donald Trump signed the bipartisan Take It Down Act, which criminalizes the distribution of nonconsensual intimate imagery, including AI-generated deepfakes and so-called “revenge porn.”
From Salon ● Jan. 9, 2026
Since Nigeria criminalizes same-sex relationships, Anthony fled a possible prison term and headed with her partner to Libya in 2014 and then Italy, where they both won asylum.
From Seattle Times ● May 15, 2024
It criminalizes the destruction of evidence - like records or documents.
From BBC ● Apr. 16, 2024
