decriminalize

[ dee-krim-uh-nl-ahyz ]

/ diˈkrɪm ə nlˌaɪz /

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See synonyms for decriminalize on Thesaurus.com

verb (used with object), de·crim·i·nal·ized, de·crim·i·nal·iz·ing.

to eliminate criminal penalties for or remove legal restrictions against: to decriminalize marijuana.

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Also especially British, de·crim·i·nal·ise .

Origin of decriminalize

An Americanism dating back to 1965–70; de- + criminal + -ize

OTHER WORDS FROM decriminalize

de·crim·i·nal·i·za·tion, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use decriminalize in a sentence

In the District, Bowser opposed the measure to decriminalize use of psychedelic mushrooms and similar “high”-inducing plants, which advocates say have important medicinal properties.
Election 2020: Winners and losers from Virginia, Maryland and D.C.|Robert McCartney|November 6, 2020|Washington Post
Oregon, meanwhile, became the first state to decriminalize the possession of small amounts of cocaine, heroine, and methamphetamine whilst also legalizing psychedelics such as magic mushrooms for those 21 and over.
Will the world’s biggest IPO face a valuation ding after its delay?|Lucinda Shen|November 4, 2020|Fortune
It has made him a supporter of Ballot Initiative 81, the only initiative on this year’s ballot seeking to decriminalize the possession and distribution of entheogenic plants and fungus.
The boldness of Randy Downs|Brock Thompson|October 15, 2020|Washington Blade
Indeed, at least two countries have made progress in recent months in decriminalize homosexuality.
Grenell defends progress in global initiative to decriminalize homosexuality|Chris Johnson|September 23, 2020|Washington Blade

Grenell also spearheaded the global initiative to decriminalize homosexuality in the 69 countries where it remains illegal.
Ric Grenell joins RNC as senior adviser for LGBTQ outreach|Chris Johnson|August 20, 2020|Washington Blade
“There are indications that decriminalization can reduce the burden on criminal justice systems,” the report said.
Britain Admits Anti-Drug Laws Are Useless|Nico Hines|October 30, 2014|DAILY BEAST
“No system works 100 percent, but we do know that decriminalization is the number one thing we have to do first,” said Kinkaid.
Sex Workers Don't Deserve to be Raped|Jillian Keenan|September 27, 2014|DAILY BEAST
There is some strong evidence to suggest that decriminalization can protect sex workers, and all women, from violent crime.
Sex Workers Don't Deserve to be Raped|Jillian Keenan|September 27, 2014|DAILY BEAST
They only support the decriminalization of the drug, which just became law in the Old Line State.
Maryland's Boringly Liberal Gubernatorial Debate|Ben Jacobs|May 8, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Collins argues for the decriminalization of drugs, which he calls a “far more effective tool.”
Economists Slam the War on Drugs in a New London School of Economics Report|Abby Haglage|May 6, 2014|DAILY BEAST

British Dictionary definitions for decriminalize

decriminalize

decriminalise

/ (diːˈkrɪmənəˌlaɪz) /

verb

(tr) to remove (an action) from the legal category of criminal offenceto decriminalize the possession of marijuana

Derived forms of decriminalize

decriminalization or decriminalisation, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

decriminalize

Origin of decriminalize

OTHER WORDS FROM decriminalize

Words related to decriminalize

How to use decriminalize in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for decriminalize

decriminalise

Derived forms of decriminalize