decriminalize
verb (used with object)
to eliminate criminal penalties for or remove legal restrictions against.
decriminalise
-
a variation of
decriminalize.
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.
His legacy also includes a 1982 law to decriminalise homosexuality.
From Barron's ● Oct. 9, 2025
The proposal to decriminalise suicide attempts was introduced in the lower house on Tuesday, though a vote will likely only take place in the next parliament session, a law ministry spokesperson said.
From Reuters ● Apr. 4, 2023
The suffering of that time has never fully left her but she is greatly encouraged by a unanimous ruling from Mexico's Supreme Court last month to decriminalise abortion.
From BBC ● Oct. 22, 2021
However, as a country, South Africa was at the forefront of same-sex rights and became the first African nation to decriminalise same-sex acts in 1998.
From BBC ● Feb. 12, 2021
A proposed state law would effectively decriminalise polygamy for consenting adults in Utah, which due to its Mormon history has more people in plural marriages than anywhere else in the US.
From The Guardian ● Mar. 5, 2020
