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decriminalize

[ dee-krim-uh-nl-ahyz ]
/ diˈkrɪm ə nlˌaɪz /
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.

Words related to decriminalize

legitimize, sanction, regulate, allow, permit

Words nearby decriminalize

decretist, decretive, decretory, decretum, decrial, decriminalize, decrudescence, decry, decrypt, decubital, decubitus
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. 2020

Examples from the Web for decriminalize

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