criminalize

verb

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

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

Synonyms of criminalize

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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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The infamous plot to blow up the English government started with the anti-Roman Catholic Penal Laws of the 16th century—a series of laws that basically criminalized Roman Catholicism. — Lucia Barnum, Encyclopedia Britannica, 29 Oct. 2026 Officials also proposed a series of measures, including criminalizing bid rigging. — ABC News, 29 Oct. 2026 The decision has ignited sharp debate across the county, pitting concerns over public safety against warnings that the policy criminalizes homelessness and poverty. — La'tasha Givens, CBS News, 28 Oct. 2026 Their deaths prompted one of the largest recalls in the nation’s history, and soon officials mandated tamper-proof caps on medication bottles and criminalized tampering with consumer products. — Lauren Mascarenhas, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for criminalize

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

Rhymes for criminalize

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Browse Nearby Words

criminality
criminalize
criminal law
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Cite this Entry

“Criminalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/criminalize. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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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 contraceptives—R. H. Bork
compare illegalize
criminalization
ˌkri-mə-nə-lə-ˈzā-shən, -ˌlī- How to pronounce criminalize (audio)
noun
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