decriminalize

[ dee-krim-uh-nl-ahyz ]
/ diˈkrɪm ə nlˌaɪz /

verb (used with object), de·crim·i·nal·ized, de·crim·i·nal·iz·ing.

to eliminate criminal penalties for or remove legal restrictions against: to decriminalize marijuana.
Also especially British, de·crim·i·nal·ise.

Origin of decriminalize

An Americanism dating back to 1965–70; de- + criminal + -ize

OTHER WORDS FROM decriminalize

de·crim·i·nal·i·za·tion, noun

Words nearby decriminalize

decretist, decretive, decretory, decretum, decrial, decriminalize, decrudescence, decry, decrypt, decubital, decubitus

British Dictionary definitions for decriminalised

decriminalize

decriminalise

/ (diːˈkrɪmənəˌlaɪz) /

verb

(tr) to remove (an action) from the legal category of criminal offence to decriminalize the possession of marijuana

Derived forms of decriminalize

decriminalization or decriminalisation, noun