decarcerate

American  

[dee-kahr-suh-reyt] / diˈkɑr səˌreɪt /

verb (used without object)

1. to pursue policy or actions aimed at reducing the number of people in prison.

   Local judges are making efforts to decarcerate by replacing prison sentences with time in rehabilitation programs.

---

verb (used with object)

1. to pursue policy aimed at reducing the number of people in prison in (a country or region).

   We aim to decarcerate our state by repealing mandatory minimum sentencing laws.

2. to free from prison.

   The county has moved to decarcerate prisoners being held for possession of marijuana.

Etymology

Origin of decarcerate

First recorded in 1900–05; de- ( def. ) + (in)carcerate ( def. )

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

decarcerate

Emily Harris, co-director of the Ella Baker Center for Human Rights, said the pandemic “showed us that we can decarcerate quickly and safely,” and is proof that more can and should be done.

From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 22, 2023

We think we can decarcerate with easy choices.

From Slate ● Oct. 20, 2022

“It is not to just keep building more warehouses — the solution is to decarcerate, get people rehabilitated and out of jail.”

From Seattle Times ● Aug. 11, 2021

This political landscape could be a bellwether of what future prosecutors seeking to decarcerate their jurisdiction should expect.

From Slate ● Feb. 28, 2019

“The polling underscores the breadth and depth of support for efforts to decarcerate in the juvenile justice system,” said Liz Ryan, the executive director of Youth First.

From The Guardian ● Feb. 13, 2017