criminalize
verb
crim·i·nal·ize
ˈkri-mə-nə-ˌlīz 
ˈkrim-nə-ˌlīz
criminalized; criminalizing
: to make illegal
also
: to turn into a criminal or treat as criminal
Examples of criminalize in a Sentence
a law that criminalized alcohol
wanted to criminalize an activity that the mountaineers had been engaging in for generations
Recent Examples on the Web
The federal Lacey Act prohibits the sale or transportation of wildlife taken in violation of state law and also criminalizes providing false information related to wildlife involved in interstate or international commerce.
—
Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 21 May 2026
Civil liberties advocates say the settlement underscores First Amendment protections for controversial online speech and warns law enforcement nationwide to tread carefully when criminalizing social media posts.
—R.j. Rico, Los Angeles Times, 20 May 2026
The deportation is particularly notable because Saab had become one of the most politically sensitive figures within Venezuela’s ruling structure, frequently portrayed by the Maduro regime as proof that Washington criminalized those helping the country circumvent sanctions.
—Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 19 May 2026
Seattle is preparing to stage a Pride celebration on June 26, the same day the city is scheduled to host a match between Iran and Egypt, two nations that criminalize homosexuality.
—Nick Miroff, The Atlantic, 15 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for criminalize
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 21 May 2026
Civil liberties advocates say the settlement underscores First Amendment protections for controversial online speech and warns law enforcement nationwide to tread carefully when criminalizing social media posts.
—R.j. Rico, Los Angeles Times, 20 May 2026
The deportation is particularly notable because Saab had become one of the most politically sensitive figures within Venezuela’s ruling structure, frequently portrayed by the Maduro regime as proof that Washington criminalized those helping the country circumvent sanctions.
—Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 19 May 2026
Seattle is preparing to stage a Pride celebration on June 26, the same day the city is scheduled to host a match between Iran and Egypt, two nations that criminalize homosexuality.
—Nick Miroff, The Atlantic, 15 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for criminalize
Cite this Entry
“Criminalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/criminalize. Accessed 26 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLegal Definition
criminalize
transitive verb
crim·i·nal·ize
ˈkri-mə-nə-ˌlīz
criminalized; criminalizing
: to make criminal : outlaw
the statute criminalizing the use of contraceptives—R. H. Bork
compare illegalize
R. H. BorkLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
