decriminalization

UK: /ˌdiːkrɪmɪnəlaɪˈzeɪʃ^ən/

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

de•crim•i•nal•ize /diˈkrɪmənəˌlaɪz/   v. [ ~ + obj], -ized, -iz•ing. 

1. to eliminate criminal penalties for:
   to decriminalize the possession of marijuana.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

de•crim•i•nal•ize  (dē krim′ə nl īz′), v.t., -ized, -iz•ing. 

1. to eliminate criminal penalties for or remove legal restrictions against:
   to decriminalize marijuana.

Also,[esp. Brit.,] de•crim′i•nal•ise′. 

• de- + criminal + -ize 1965–70, American.

de•crim′i•nal•i•za′tion, n.