criminalize

verb

crim·​i·​nal·​ize ˈkri-mə-nə-ˌlīz How to pronounce criminalize (audio)
ˈkrim-nə-ˌlīz
criminalized; criminalizing

transitive verb

: to make illegal
also : to turn into a criminal or treat as criminal
criminalization
ˌkri-mə-nə-lə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce criminalize (audio)
ˌkrim-nə-lə-ˈzā-
noun

Examples of criminalize in a Sentence

a law that criminalized alcohol wanted to criminalize an activity that the mountaineers had been engaging in for generations
Recent Examples on the Web The pope, however, has not called for the practice to be criminalized and a 2023 Vatican doctrinal ruling pointed out that children born through surrogacy can be baptized. Antonia Mortensen, CNN, 19 Oct. 2024 Silver pointed out that the money currently being spent on criminalizing the homeless population could be better used to invest in long-term solutions. Afdhel Aziz, Forbes, 16 Oct. 2024 However, Democrats have repeatedly attempted to block provisions of the law, claiming that the strict rules on identification will disenfranchise voters and criminalize portions of the election process. Lalee Ibssa, ABC News, 15 Oct. 2024 Vice President Kamala Harris has asserted that pro-life laws endanger women by restricting access to and even criminalizing health care. Christina Francis, National Review, 10 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for criminalize 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'criminalize.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

criminal entry 1 + -ize

First Known Use

circa 1956, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of criminalize was circa 1956

Dictionary Entries Near criminalize

Cite this Entry

“Criminalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/criminalize. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Legal Definition

criminalize

transitive verb
crim·​i·​nal·​ize ˈkri-mə-nə-ˌlīz How to pronounce criminalize (audio)
criminalized; criminalizing
: to make criminal : outlaw
the statute criminalizing the use of contraceptivesR. H. Bork
compare illegalize
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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