decriminalize

verb

de·​crim·​i·​nal·​ize (ˌ)dē-ˈkri-mə-nə-ˌlīz 

-ˈkrim-nəl-

decriminalized; decriminalizing; decriminalizes

transitive verb

: 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

decriminalization

(ˌ)dē-ˌkri-mə-nə-lə-ˈzā-shən 

-ˌkrim-nəl-

noun

Examples of decriminalize in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Jamaica decriminalized small amounts of cannabis in 2014, granting Rastafarians the unique right to use and cultivate marijuana for religious purposes. —Tribune Content Agency, Mercury News, 6 May 2025

Casting off old prejudices, Bentham favored emancipating women, decriminalizing homosexuality, protecting animals from cruelty. —January Lavoy Krish Seenivasan Ted Blaisdell, New York Times, 3 May 2025

Now, the substance has been decriminalized in other regions. —Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Apr. 2025

Psilocybin use was relatively stable before the drug was first decriminalized in Denver in May 2019, according to the study. —Sandee Lamotte, CNN Money, 21 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1969, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for decriminalize

• contextualize
• industrialize
• materialise
• materialize
• memorialize
• microenterprise
• overemphasize
• particularize
• revolutionise
• revolutionize
• actualize
• antagonize

Legal 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

decriminalization

dē-ˌkri-mən-ᵊl-ə-ˈzā-shən 

noun