decriminalize
verb (used with object)
to eliminate criminal penalties for or remove legal restrictions against.
decriminalizing
-
present participleof decriminalize.present participle
A verb form that is used in progressive verb constructions and may also function as a modifier or a gerund.
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.
In New York, two opposing bills—one decriminalizing prostitution, which was supported by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani when he was still an assemblymember, and the other enacting the Nordic model—are still under consideration.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 21, 2026
Rodriguez stabilized the situation by introducing greater fiscal discipline, halting the printing of money, relaxing exchange controls and decriminalizing the use of the dollar, which has become Venezuela's de facto currency.
From Barron's ● Mar. 6, 2026
Dr. Anna Lembke, a professor at Stanford who raised concerns years ago over the rise in opioid prescriptions, shares those concerns about decriminalizing psychedelics.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 7, 2023
Part of the jump in fare evasion stems from a District of Columbia law decriminalizing fare evasion that took effect on May 3, 2019.
From Washington Times ● Apr. 28, 2023
Zambia has made its own changes, such as decriminalizing defamation of the president.
From Seattle Times ● Mar. 25, 2023
