decriminalize

especially British, de·crim·i·nal·ise

[dee-krim-uh-nl-ahyz]

verb (used with object)

decriminalized, decriminalizing 

1. to eliminate criminal penalties for or remove legal restrictions against.

   to decriminalize marijuana.

decriminalize

/ diːˈkrɪmənəˌlaɪz /

verb

1. (tr) to remove (an action) from the legal category of criminal offence

   to decriminalize the possession of marijuana

Other Word Forms

• decriminalization noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of decriminalize¹

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

Example Sentences

In Argyri's qualitative paper published last month, about one-fifth of participants said that legalizing or decriminalizing psychedelics would have reduced the stress and anxiety they felt about their situation.

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Many cities have decriminalized psychedelics while Oregon, Colorado and, as of this month, New Mexico are beginning to roll out the country’s first pathways for patients to access them.

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Although it’s unclear how each country will implement the UN mandates handed down, the ruling is a step forward for a growing reproductive rights movement working to decriminalize abortion in Latin America.

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In Wisconsin, it’s decriminalized in the Democratic strongholds of Milwaukee and Madison.

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On immigration: Didn’t she take office seeking to decriminalize illegal border crossings and didn’t she and Biden wait too long to deal with the border problem?

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Related Words

• legitimize