(ˈ)dēˈkrimən ə lˌīz, də̇ˈ-, -m(ə)nəl- transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s -s )
Etymology: de- + criminal + -ize
: to remove or reduce the criminal classification or status of ; especially : to repeal a strict ban on while keeping under some form of regulation
wanted to decriminalize the possession of marijuana
• de·crim·i·nal·iza·tion -ˌkrimən ə lə̇ˈzāshən, -mnəl-, -līˈ- noun