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
Multiple people face looting charges related to Los Angeles area wildfires
Newsom hasn’t decriminalized looting in California, nor have other Democrats in the state.
—
Chris Mueller, USA TODAY, 21 Jan. 2025
Jaywalking is now legal in New York City after the New York City Council passed a bill in October 2024 decriminalizing jaywalking, allowing pedestrians to cross the street without following traffic signals or crosswalks.
—Kwame Anthony Appiah, New York Times, 18 Jan. 2025
This infraction wouldn’t be a crime and so would decriminalize fireworks use at a low level.
—Audrey McAvoy, Los Angeles Times, 14 Jan. 2025
This stance was revolutionary for its time, as eight states had already decriminalized marijuana by 1977.
—Tribune Content Agency, The Mercury News, 31 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for decriminalize 
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Chris Mueller, USA TODAY, 21 Jan. 2025
Jaywalking is now legal in New York City after the New York City Council passed a bill in October 2024 decriminalizing jaywalking, allowing pedestrians to cross the street without following traffic signals or crosswalks.
—Kwame Anthony Appiah, New York Times, 18 Jan. 2025
This infraction wouldn’t be a crime and so would decriminalize fireworks use at a low level.
—Audrey McAvoy, Los Angeles Times, 14 Jan. 2025
This stance was revolutionary for its time, as eight states had already decriminalized marijuana by 1977.
—Tribune Content Agency, The Mercury News, 31 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for decriminalize
Dictionary Entries Near decriminalize
Cite this Entry
“Decriminalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/decriminalize. Accessed 29 Jan. 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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