Dictionary
criminalize
verb crim·i·nal·ize \ˈkri-mə-nəl-ˌīz, ˈkrim-nə-ˌlīz\
: to make (something) illegal
crim·i·nal·izedcrim·i·nal·iz·ing
Full Definition of CRIMINALIZE
transitive verb
: to make illegal; also : to turn into a criminal or treat as criminal
— crim·i·nal·i·za·tion \ˌkri-mə-nəl-ə-ˈzā-shən, ˌkrim-nə-lə-ˈzā-\ noun
See criminalize defined for English-language learners
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First Known Use of CRIMINALIZE
circa 1956
Related to CRIMINALIZE
- Synonyms
- illegalize, outlaw
- Antonyms
- decriminalize, legalize
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