v.
Pronunciation: ( ˌ )d ē - ' kri-m ə -n ə - ˌ l ī z, - ' krim-n ə l-
Function: transitive verb
Date: 1969
: to remove or reduce the criminal classification or status of especially : to repeal a strict ban on while keeping under some form of regulation < decriminalize the possession of marijuana>
– de · crim · i · nal · iza · tion \ ( ˌ )d ē - ˌ kri-m ə -n ə -l ə - ' z ā -sh ə n, - ˌ krim-n ə l- \ noun