decriminalize
de|crimi|nal|ize /d'iːkr'ɪmɪnəlaɪz/ (decriminalizes decriminalizing decriminalized)
in BRIT, also use decriminalise
[VERB] be V-ed, also V n
When a criminal offence is decriminalized, the law changes so that it is no longer a criminal offence.
...the question of whether prostitution should be decriminalized.
● decriminalization [N-UNCOUNT] oft N of n
...the decriminalisation of homosexuality in the Isle of Man.
in BRIT, also use decriminalise
[VERB] be V-ed, also V n
When a criminal offence is decriminalized, the law changes so that it is no longer a criminal offence.
...the question of whether prostitution should be decriminalized.
● decriminalization [N-UNCOUNT] oft N of n
...the decriminalisation of homosexuality in the Isle of Man.