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
The drug isn’t approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), but several states have moved to decriminalize it or allow it in treatment settings, like the Iowa proposal.
—
Elizabeth Crisp, The Hill, 22 Apr. 2025
American law and society has shifted from the war on drugs in the 1970s and 80s to movements to decriminalize psychedelic mushrooms in some states in the 2020s.
—Carolyn Komatsoulis, Idaho Statesman, 5 Mar. 2025
There are also some states were medical and recreational marijuana isn't legalized, but is decriminalized.
—Greta Cross, USA Today, 17 Apr. 2025
Changing The Rules and the Effect of the Changes
By the end of 2024, 38 states and the District of Columbia had enacted laws decriminalizing and permitting sports betting.
—Martin Edel, Sportico.com, 7 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for decriminalize
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Elizabeth Crisp, The Hill, 22 Apr. 2025
American law and society has shifted from the war on drugs in the 1970s and 80s to movements to decriminalize psychedelic mushrooms in some states in the 2020s.
—Carolyn Komatsoulis, Idaho Statesman, 5 Mar. 2025
There are also some states were medical and recreational marijuana isn't legalized, but is decriminalized.
—Greta Cross, USA Today, 17 Apr. 2025
Changing The Rules and the Effect of the Changes
By the end of 2024, 38 states and the District of Columbia had enacted laws decriminalizing and permitting sports betting.
—Martin Edel, Sportico.com, 7 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for decriminalize
Cite this Entry
“Decriminalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/decriminalize. Accessed 2 May. 2025.
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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