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
These works, among others, challenge visitors to consider how LA and São Paulo have criminalized their most vulnerable citizens but also demonstrate how Brazil’s discourse on social rights and illegality is unique.
—
Michaëla De Lacaze Mohrmann, Artforum, 1 Jan. 2026
California law already criminalizes unsafe gun storage in certain situations, including when a child accesses a firearm and injures or kills someone.
—Grant Stringer, Mercury News, 29 Dec. 2025
The ballot is dominated by parties perceived to be close to the military and hundreds have been arrested under a new law criminalizing obstruction, disruption and criticism of the poll.
—Ross Adkin, CNN Money, 27 Dec. 2025
Measure would outlaw vessels’ seizure amid US campaign CARACAS, Venezuela -- Venezuela's parliament on Tuesday approved a measure that would criminalize a broad range of activities that can hinder navigation and commerce in the South American country, such as the seizure of oil tankers.
—Regina Garcia Cano The Associated Press, Arkansas Online, 25 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for criminalize
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Michaëla De Lacaze Mohrmann, Artforum, 1 Jan. 2026
California law already criminalizes unsafe gun storage in certain situations, including when a child accesses a firearm and injures or kills someone.
—Grant Stringer, Mercury News, 29 Dec. 2025
The ballot is dominated by parties perceived to be close to the military and hundreds have been arrested under a new law criminalizing obstruction, disruption and criticism of the poll.
—Ross Adkin, CNN Money, 27 Dec. 2025
Measure would outlaw vessels’ seizure amid US campaign CARACAS, Venezuela -- Venezuela's parliament on Tuesday approved a measure that would criminalize a broad range of activities that can hinder navigation and commerce in the South American country, such as the seizure of oil tankers.
—Regina Garcia Cano The Associated Press, Arkansas Online, 25 Dec. 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 3 Jan. 2026.
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?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
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