Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

decriminalize

verb

/ˌdiːˈkrɪmɪnaɪz/

Definition

To remove or reduce the criminal status of an act or behavior.

Examples

The government decided to decriminalize the possession of small amounts of marijuana.
Many advocates argue that we should decriminalize sex work to protect the rights of workers.
Some countries are moving to decriminalize euthanasia under specific conditions.

Meaning

Decriminalizing means that certain actions that were previously considered illegal are no longer treated as crimes. This can lead to legal consequences being less severe or eliminated altogether.