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.
This contrasts sharply with a federal judge's decision days earlier, blocking Minnesota from criminalizing prediction markets, a win for Kalshi and the CFTC who argue federal preemption. — Zennon Kapron, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2026 Another common source of opposition, identified in a 2021 feasibility study, came from community groups worried the cameras would be used to surveil and criminalize marginalized groups. — ABC News, 24 July 2026 Nicaragua’s last election in 2021 was widely disputed after Ortega detained opponents and business leaders and criminalized dissent. — CNN Money, 21 July 2026 The case drew condemnation from governments and human rights organizations, which argued the charges criminalized artistic expression and political dissent. — Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 20 July 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 6 Aug. 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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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