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
In addition to medical marijuana, there is significant support for decriminalizing cannabis possession.
—
Tribune Content Agency, The Mercury News, 11 Feb. 2025
However, some governments have decriminalized possession of the drug in small amounts.
—Edward Szekeres, CNN, 7 Feb. 2025
Before the vote, Dallas had been one of the largest U.S. cities that had not decriminalized cannabis possession.
—Alexis Simmerman, Austin American-Statesman, 17 Dec. 2024
Jaywalking laws were pushed by the auto industry in the 1930s as a way to keep people off streets and make more room for vehicles, according to America Walks, a Seattle-baes group that has been tracking proposals to decriminalize jaywalking.
—Nina Turner, Newsweek, 30 Oct. 2024
See All Example Sentences for decriminalize
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Tribune Content Agency, The Mercury News, 11 Feb. 2025
However, some governments have decriminalized possession of the drug in small amounts.
—Edward Szekeres, CNN, 7 Feb. 2025
Before the vote, Dallas had been one of the largest U.S. cities that had not decriminalized cannabis possession.
—Alexis Simmerman, Austin American-Statesman, 17 Dec. 2024
Jaywalking laws were pushed by the auto industry in the 1930s as a way to keep people off streets and make more room for vehicles, according to America Walks, a Seattle-baes group that has been tracking proposals to decriminalize jaywalking.
—Nina Turner, Newsweek, 30 Oct. 2024
See All Example Sentences for decriminalize
Cite this Entry
“Decriminalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/decriminalize. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.
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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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