verb
criminalize
Criminalize (verb) means to make an act illegal under the law.
verb
1
To make an act illegal under the law.
"Advocates for homeless people, the American Psychiatric Association and several left-leaning states, including New York, Illinois and Minnesota, argue that criminalizing homelessness only worsens the problem."
— Shawn Hubler, Homelessness Case Draws Unusual Alliances: Conservatives and California Democrats (2024)
"A group of homeless residents sued the city, challenging the ordinances and contending that the local laws essentially criminalized homelessness."
— Abbie VanSickle, Supreme Court Upholds Ban on Sleeping Outdoors in Homelessness Case (2024)
""Ag-gag laws criminalize undercover investigations by prohibiting one or more of three types of behavior: trespass, recording of videos, and failure to submit a video to law enforcement.""
— Gregg Barak, editor, The Routledge International Handbook of the Crimes of the Powerful (2015)
2
To treat someone as though they were a criminal.
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Synonyms
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Rhymes for criminalize
See all rhymes for criminalize →Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of criminalize?
"criminalize" (verb) means to make an act illegal under the law.
What is another word for criminalize?
Other words for "criminalize" include illegalise, criminalise, outlaw, illegalize.
What is the opposite of criminalize?
The opposite of "criminalize" is decriminalize.
What are the different meanings of criminalize?
"criminalize" has 2 main meanings: 1. To make an act illegal under the law; 2. To treat someone as though they were a criminal.
