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

Advertisement Uruguay Uruguay enacted a law decriminalizing euthanasia in October 2025. — Connor Greene, Time, 16 July 2026

Activists tried to legalize medical cannabis and decriminalize possession of adult-use cannabis through the ballot a few years ago, but all the initiatives failed. — Dario Sabaghi, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026

Despite the fact that homosexuality among men was not decriminalized in England until 1967 (and even then, only partially so), Hockney felt little pressure to hide his sexuality. — Rebecca Mead, New Yorker, 16 June 2026

Decriminalizing plant medicines like ayahuasca is part of a broader movement to decriminalize psychedelics in the United States, with states like Oregon and Colorado leading the way and dozens of cities—from Denver and Oakland to Detroit and Seattle—deprioritizing enforcement in recent years. — Michaela Trimble, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 June 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