criminalize
verb
crim·i·nal·ize
ˈkri-mə-nə-ˌlīz 
ˈkrim-nə-ˌlīz
criminalized; criminalizing
: to make illegal
also
: to turn into a criminal or treat as criminal
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
Wisconsin advocates warn the order moves society one step closer to policing and criminalizing homelessness.
—
Natalie Eilbert, jsonline.com, 29 July 2025
From the legal perspective, homosexual acts were criminalized.
—Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 28 July 2025
Bettison said during city council's public health and safety committee meeting on Monday, July 21, that the intent isn't to penalize or criminalize parents, but to put them on notice.
—Andrea May Sahouri, Freep.com, 25 July 2025
But Congress may not criminalize the President's conduct in carrying out the responsibilities of the Executive Branch under the Constitution.
—Anna Commander, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for criminalize
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Natalie Eilbert, jsonline.com, 29 July 2025
From the legal perspective, homosexual acts were criminalized.
—Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 28 July 2025
Bettison said during city council's public health and safety committee meeting on Monday, July 21, that the intent isn't to penalize or criminalize parents, but to put them on notice.
—Andrea May Sahouri, Freep.com, 25 July 2025
But Congress may not criminalize the President's conduct in carrying out the responsibilities of the Executive Branch under the Constitution.
—Anna Commander, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for criminalize
Cite this Entry
“Criminalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/criminalize. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLegal Definition
criminalize
transitive verb
crim·i·nal·ize
ˈkri-mə-nə-ˌlīz
criminalized; criminalizing
: to make criminal : outlaw
the statute criminalizing the use of contraceptives—R. H. Bork
compare illegalize
R. H. BorkLove words? Need even more definitions?
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