Definition

To make an action or behavior no longer considered a crime, often by changing the law.

Example

The government decided to decriminalize the use of marijuana in the state.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Did you hear they might decriminalize marijuana soon?

Yeah, I read something about that; it could change a lot of opinions.

Exactly! Some people think it will reduce crime rates.

I hope so! It seems like a step in the right direction.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Decriminalize is formed from "de-" (meaning down or away) and "criminalis" (from Latin, meaning relating to crime) and "-ize" (a suffix used to form verbs meaning to make or to become). The word means to remove the criminal status from an act, effectively making it no longer a crime.

Memory Tip

Think of 'removing' ('de-') the 'criminal' status ('criminalis') from an action — that's what decriminalize means.

Visually Confused Words