Decriminalize

Quick meaning: Decriminalize is a verb meaning (transitive) To change the laws so something is no longer a crime.

Meaning

(transitive) To change the laws so something is no longer a crime.

Example Sentences

The march to decriminalize drugs moved further across the nation on Tuesday despite continued federal prohibition.

The House of Representatives approved decriminalizing marijuana at the federal level on Friday in the first time Congress has acted on the issue.

The court’s decision decriminalizes abortions in the first 24 weeks of pregnancy, and means that any woman should be able to seek the procedure from a health professional without fear of criminal prosecution.

Last fall Oregon voters decriminalized possession of small amounts of almost all hard drugs, taking a groundbreaking step away from the arrest, charge and jail model for possession that's been a centerpiece of American drug policy since President Richard Nixon declared his War on Drugs 50 years ago this week.

Word Forms

• decriminalizes
• decriminalizing
• decriminalized
• decriminalise

Synonyms for decriminalize

Depending on context, synonyms include legalize, legitimate, legitimize, legitimatize.

Antonyms for decriminalize

Common opposites include criminalize, outlaw, illegalize.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include legalize, legitimate, legitimatize, legitimize, eliminate, decriminalise.

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