verbformal
to make an action illegal under the law
The new law criminalizes the sale of these drugs.
Common phrases & grammar
criminalize an act · criminalize behavior
American English
How to pronounce criminalizing
verbB2
KRIHmuhnuhlaizihng
/ˈkʰɹɪ.mə.nəˌlaɪ.zɪŋ/
5 syllables · Stress the first syllable.
Related entry: criminalize
to make an action illegal under the law
Practice out loudMeanings & examples
verbformal
to treat a person or group as criminals, especially because of their situation or behavior
The policy criminalizes people who sleep on the street.
Common phrases & grammar
criminalize poverty · criminalize homelessness
Related words & forms
criminalizebase formcriminalizing-ing formcriminalizedpast tense and past participlecriminalizesthird-person singular
The final e is dropped before -ing: criminalizing.