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

Thai cannabis store owners and activists on Thursday hit out at new government plans to tighten the rules on selling the drug by requiring a doctor’s approval, three years after it was decriminalized. —Afp, Fortune, 26 June 2025

Five years ago, New York effectively decriminalized all but the most serious offenses. —Whitney Tilson, New York Daily News, 5 June 2025

In 2023, the Legislature passed a bill to decriminalize the personal use of psilocybin mushrooms and other psychedelics. —Grant Stringer, The Mercury News, 25 Mar. 2025

The lower house of the Czech Republic has approved an amendment that would decriminalize cannabis for personal use at a time when the process of full legalization is stalled. —Dario Sabaghi, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025

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