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
Some Democrats have advocated for decriminalizing the border and limiting the Justice Department’s ability to make criminal referrals in such cases.
—
Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 23 Oct. 2024
If passed, the Dallas Freedom Act would decriminalize possession of less than four ounces of cannabis by adults aged 21 and older.
—A.j. Herrington, Forbes, 14 Oct. 2024
Harris tries to explain flip-flopping on issues When asked about her recent decisions to reverse her policy positions, including on banning fracking, mandatory government buyback programs for assault weapons, and decriminalizing border crossings, Harris claimed her values had not changed.
—Mabinty Quarshie, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 11 Sep. 2024
Sanders last year to ramp up penalties for trafficking fentanyl also included legislation that decriminalized those test strips.
—Alex Golden, Axios, 31 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for decriminalize 
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.
Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 23 Oct. 2024
If passed, the Dallas Freedom Act would decriminalize possession of less than four ounces of cannabis by adults aged 21 and older.
—A.j. Herrington, Forbes, 14 Oct. 2024
Harris tries to explain flip-flopping on issues When asked about her recent decisions to reverse her policy positions, including on banning fracking, mandatory government buyback programs for assault weapons, and decriminalizing border crossings, Harris claimed her values had not changed.
—Mabinty Quarshie, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 11 Sep. 2024
Sanders last year to ramp up penalties for trafficking fentanyl also included legislation that decriminalized those test strips.
—Alex Golden, Axios, 31 Oct. 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 22 Nov. 2024.
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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share