criminalize
verb (used with object)
to make punishable as a crime.
have criminalized
-
present perfectof criminalize.present perfect
Used to describe actions that started in the past and continue into or have direct relevance to the present.
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.
Some activists found cause for relief when — after fierce debate — a provision that would have criminalized gay sex was removed from the new penal code, according to the AP.
From Washington Post ● Dec. 6, 2022
An earlier crisis broke out in 2018 over a Polish law that would have criminalized false claims of Poland collaborating with Nazi Germany.
From Seattle Times ● Aug. 16, 2021
That’s one of the things, and they have criminalized that here in the state of Alabama and in a lot of states.
From Slate ● Mar. 22, 2021
The bill would have criminalized agents who facilitate surrogacy contracts, but lawmakers said they would rather regulate the practice and may study the issue before next year’s session.
From Washington Times ● Feb. 27, 2020
Judge Winmill noted that the law would have criminalized the undercover journalism that Upton Sinclair performed in order to write his shocking 1906 novel on the meatpacking industry, "The Jungle," which led to industry reforms.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 3, 2015
