as in to outlaw
to make or declare contrary to the law
wanted to criminalize an activity that the mountaineers had been engaging in for generations
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Recent Examples of criminalize
Homosexual activity is criminalized in several African countries.
—
Nicole Winfield The Associated Press, Arkansas Online, 24 Apr. 2026
On the other, activists and civil liberties groups warn that aggressive prosecutions risk criminalizing dissent and chilling protest.
—Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 23 Apr. 2026
Homosexual activity is criminalized in several African countries.
—Nicole Winfield, Fortune, 23 Apr. 2026
The legislation does not criminalize possession or use, but focuses on restricting supply through sales.
—Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 22 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for criminalize
Nicole Winfield The Associated Press, Arkansas Online, 24 Apr. 2026
On the other, activists and civil liberties groups warn that aggressive prosecutions risk criminalizing dissent and chilling protest.
—Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 23 Apr. 2026
Homosexual activity is criminalized in several African countries.
—Nicole Winfield, Fortune, 23 Apr. 2026
The legislation does not criminalize possession or use, but focuses on restricting supply through sales.
—Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 22 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for criminalize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for criminalize
Verb
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In attempts to curtail abuse, some sought to practically outlaw body donation and research uses in Texas altogether in favor of funeral services for all.—
Dug Begley,
Houston Chronicle,
4 May 2026
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Polyamory is nothing new in California, and certainly not in Oakland, which in 2024 became the first city in the state to outlaw discrimination based on family structure — a move meant in part to protect multiple partners’ rights to manage a medical emergency in the hospital.—
Sonja Sharp,
Los Angeles Times,
25 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Overturning Citizens United, comprehensive campaign finance reform, banning stock trades for members of Congress, their family members, and business associates, and term limits.—
Kevin Fixler
May 3,
Idaho Statesman,
3 May 2026
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Last year, the European Union banned emotion AI in the workplace, except for when it’s used for medical or safety reasons.—
Ellen Cushing,
The Atlantic,
3 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Criminalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/criminalize. Accessed 9 May. 2026.
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