decriminalize

verb

de·​crim·​i·​nal·​ize (ˌ)dē-ˈkri-mə-nə-ˌlīz 

-ˈkrim-nəl-

decriminalized; decriminalizing; decriminalizes

transitive verb

: to remove or reduce the criminal classification or status of

especially : to repeal a strict ban on while keeping under some form of regulation

decriminalize the possession of marijuana

decriminalization

(ˌ)dē-ˌkri-mə-nə-lə-ˈzā-shən 

-ˌkrim-nəl-

noun

Examples of decriminalize in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Will Indiana ever pass a law decriminalizing marijuana? —John Tufts, IndyStar, 27 Feb. 2026

Similarly, the Indian supreme court has decriminalized consensual same-sex conduct and recognized transgender rights while upholding ever more repressive actions by Narendra Modi’s government. —David Pozen, The Atlantic, 26 Feb. 2026

In 2022, state lawmakers decriminalized loitering with the intent to commit prostitution in California. —Jakob Rodgers, Mercury News, 18 Feb. 2026

If enacted, the bill would make Colorado the only state in America to completely decriminalize the world’s oldest profession. —Seth Klamann, Denver Post, 17 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1969, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for decriminalize

• contextualize
• industrialize
• materialise
• materialize
• memorialize
• microenterprise
• overemphasize
• particularize
• revolutionise
• revolutionize
• actualize
• antagonize

Legal Definition

decriminalize

transitive verb

de·​crim·​i·​nal·​ize dē-ˈkri-mən-ᵊl-ˌīz 

decriminalized; decriminalizing

: to remove or reduce the criminal classification or status of

decriminalization

dē-ˌkri-mən-ᵊl-ə-ˈzā-shən 

noun