decriminalize
verb (used with object)
to eliminate criminal penalties for or remove legal restrictions against.
decriminalized
-
past participleof decriminalize.past participle
A verb form used in perfect and passive verb constructions and that can also function as a modifier.
-
past tense formof decriminalize.past tense
Used to describe completed actions or previous habitual actions.
decriminalizeverb (used with object)to eliminate criminal penalties for or remove legal restrictions against.
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.
Venezuela decriminalized the use of the dollar and lifted controls to combat a hyperinflationary cycle that lasted from 2017 to 2022.
From Barron's ● Jan. 22, 2026
A decade later, the Edict of Milan decriminalized Christianity in the empire.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 28, 2025
Biden and a growing number of lawmakers from both major political parties have been pushing for the DEA decision as marijuana has become increasingly decriminalized and accepted, particularly by younger people.
From Seattle Times ● Apr. 30, 2024
Indian cinema has seen a wave of queer-themed commercial movies since gay sex was decriminalized in a Supreme Court decision in 2018.
From New York Times ● Mar. 8, 2024
The no-vending zones were established by a 2018 ordinance that decriminalized street vending elsewhere in the city and created rules and regulations for vendors.
From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 6, 2024
