decriminalize
verb
de·crim·i·nal·ize
(ˌ)dē-ˈkri-mə-nə-ˌlīz 
-ˈkrim-nəl-
decriminalized; decriminalizing; decriminalizes
: 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
Examples of decriminalize in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
It's not decriminalized for other uses, though, and people can still be prosecuted for having non-medical marijuana.
—
Kerry Breen, CBS News, 20 Apr. 2024
In some areas, like Morgantown, it has been partially decriminalized.
—Marina Johnson, The Courier-Journal, 17 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for decriminalize 
Kerry Breen, CBS News, 20 Apr. 2024
In some areas, like Morgantown, it has been partially decriminalized.
—Marina Johnson, The Courier-Journal, 17 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for decriminalize
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'decriminalize.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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“Decriminalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/decriminalize. Accessed 3 May. 2024.
Copy CitationLegal 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
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