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
Velasco also noted that the city faces enforcement limitations under S.B. 946, a 2018 law decriminalizing street vending.
—
Sierra Lopez, The Mercury News, 10 Aug. 2024
Trump’s team and its allies have been sifting through videos where Harris talked about providing healthcare to immigrants who are in the country illegally and decriminalizing border crossings.
—Chris Megerian, The Denver Post, 30 July 2024
That emphasis on border security represents a dramatic shift from the 2020 presidential campaign, in which prominent Democrats talked about decriminalizing the border and abolishing ICE, the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency.
—David Lauter, Los Angeles Times, 17 Aug. 2024
The optimism around ibogaine led Colorado, in 2022, to vote to decriminalize the medicine and open the prospect of future authorization after 2026.
—Mattha Busby, Rolling Stone, 14 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for decriminalize 
Sierra Lopez, The Mercury News, 10 Aug. 2024
Trump’s team and its allies have been sifting through videos where Harris talked about providing healthcare to immigrants who are in the country illegally and decriminalizing border crossings.
—Chris Megerian, The Denver Post, 30 July 2024
That emphasis on border security represents a dramatic shift from the 2020 presidential campaign, in which prominent Democrats talked about decriminalizing the border and abolishing ICE, the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency.
—David Lauter, Los Angeles Times, 17 Aug. 2024
The optimism around ibogaine led Colorado, in 2022, to vote to decriminalize the medicine and open the prospect of future authorization after 2026.
—Mattha Busby, Rolling Stone, 14 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for decriminalize
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'decriminalize.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Decriminalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/decriminalize. Accessed 1 Oct. 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
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