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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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of criminalize So why criminalize something that people enjoy and can use safely? Javier Hasse, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2025 Iowa lawmakers could advance a bill to the governor's desk as early as next week to criminalize most handheld cellphone use while driving. Jason Clayworth, Axios, 21 Mar. 2025 From ending birthright citizenship (14th Amendment) to criminalizing protests (First Amendment), freezing federal spending to dismantling federal agencies (both Article 1), he’s been undeterred by such restrictions on his power. S.e. Cupp, New York Daily News, 19 Mar. 2025 The Kaley Avenue facility was viewed as the most viable new homeless shelter proposal in the region – and a critical need after Orange County adopted a ban on camping on public property, a requirement to comply with a new state law many critics say criminalizes homelessness. Orlando Sentinel Staff, Orlando Sentinel, 19 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for criminalize

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“Criminalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/criminalize. Accessed 10 Apr. 2025.

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