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
Several major propositions are also on the ballot, including Amarillo's Prop A to become a Sanctuary City for the Unborn, Dallas' proposal to decriminalize cannabis, and multiple school bond measures in districts like Austin's, Frisco's and Allen's.
—
Brandi D. Addison, Austin American-Statesman, 5 Nov. 2024
Meanwhile, advocates focused on reducing mass incarceration and addressing racial disparities in the judicial system pushed states to begin decriminalizing marijuana and revising the sentences for people serving time for it.
—Marin Cogan, Vox, 4 Nov. 2024
Legalizing marijuana: Trump's Justice Department in 2018 rolled back an Obama-era policy that loosened prosecution of federal marijuana laws in states that had already legalized or decriminalized the drug.
—Erin Doherty, Axios, 30 Sep. 2024
Wiener’s decision to bring the resolution forward is a bit of a finger in the eye to the governor, who has vetoed some of Wiener’s most high-profile bills, including one to regulate artificial intelligence and another to decriminalize psychedelic mushrooms.
—Julia Wick, Los Angeles Times, 22 Dec. 2024
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Brandi D. Addison, Austin American-Statesman, 5 Nov. 2024
Meanwhile, advocates focused on reducing mass incarceration and addressing racial disparities in the judicial system pushed states to begin decriminalizing marijuana and revising the sentences for people serving time for it.
—Marin Cogan, Vox, 4 Nov. 2024
Legalizing marijuana: Trump's Justice Department in 2018 rolled back an Obama-era policy that loosened prosecution of federal marijuana laws in states that had already legalized or decriminalized the drug.
—Erin Doherty, Axios, 30 Sep. 2024
Wiener’s decision to bring the resolution forward is a bit of a finger in the eye to the governor, who has vetoed some of Wiener’s most high-profile bills, including one to regulate artificial intelligence and another to decriminalize psychedelic mushrooms.
—Julia Wick, Los Angeles Times, 22 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 7 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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