Simple Definition of decriminalize

from our Learner's Dictionary

decriminalize

verb

variants also British decriminalise
decriminalizes; decriminalized; decriminalizing
: to make (something that is illegal) legal by changing the law
He believes that the government should decriminalize [=legalize] the use of marijuana.

Cite this Entry

“Decriminalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/decriminalize. Accessed 23 Jun. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on decriminalize

More from Merriam-Webster