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Definition of criminalize

criminalize

/ˈkrɪm.ɪ.nə.laɪz/
(UK: criminalise)
crim · i · nal · ize
Adverb:criminally
•
Adjective:criminal
•
Past Simple:criminalized
•
Past Participle:criminalized
•
Present Participle:criminalizing
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criminalize Lexical Profile

criminalize Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To turn an activity or behavior into a criminal offense by making it illegal.

Example

"The new legislation seeks to criminalize the unauthorized sharing of private digital records."

2

To treat or turn a person or group into criminals, especially through unfair laws or social stigma.

Example

"Critics argued that the strict municipal ordinances unfairly criminalize unhoused residents."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for criminalize
Antonyms
View all antonyms for criminalize

• Rhymes for criminalize

• Nearby Words

criminal
criminality
criminalization
criminalize
criminally
criminologist
criminology

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the mid-19th century from the adjective 'criminal' (from Latin criminalis, meaning 'pertaining to crime', from crimen 'judgment, accusation, offense') and the verb-forming suffix '-ize'.

Cite this Entry

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