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Definition of criminalization

criminalization

/ˌkrɪm.ə.nəl.əˈzeɪ.ʃən/
(UK: criminalisation)
crim · i · nal · i · za · tion
Adverb:criminally
•
Plural:criminalizations
•
Adjective:criminal
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criminalization Lexical Profile

criminalization Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The action or process of turning a previously lawful activity into a criminal offense by making it illegal.

Example

"The lawmakers debated whether the criminalization of minor traffic infractions would overburden the court system."

2

The act of treating a person or group as criminals, or the process by which an individual is driven toward criminal behavior through social or institutional treatment.

Example

"Sociologists have long studied how the unfair criminalization of marginalized youth affects their future employment opportunities."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for criminalization
Antonyms
View all antonyms for criminalization

• Rhymes for criminalization

• Nearby Words

crimewave
criminal
criminality
criminalization
criminalize
criminally
criminologist

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Criminalization. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/criminalization
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