Word
decriminalization
Phoneticsde·crim·i·nal·iza·tion
/diˌkɹɪmənəɫəˈzeɪʃən/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. a change in the law that makes something no longer a crime, so people are not punished for it. You often hear it about drugs or small offences.
n. legislative removal of criminal status from an act previously treated as a crime, usually replacing prosecution with civil penalties or no penalty. Typically results from statutory reform rather than judicial interpretation.
Examples
“Many groups support the decriminalization of minor drug use.”
“The city council voted for decriminalization, so first-time possession now brings a fine instead of jail time.”
“While full legalization creates a regulated market, decriminalization simply removes criminal punishment, leaving production and sale in a legal grey area that critics argue helps users but not suppliers.”
Examples
simple
“Many groups support the decriminalization of minor drug use.”
contextual
“The city council voted for decriminalization, so first-time possession now brings a fine instead of jail time.”
complex
“While full legalization creates a regulated market, decriminalization simply removes criminal punishment, leaving production and sale in a legal grey area that critics argue helps users but not suppliers.”
Usage
Commonly followed by 'of' plus the offence decriminalized.
Real-World Examples
“Even before formal decriminalization, police, healthcare professionals and other workers who came into contact with people using drugs had already begun directing them away from punishment and toward care.” “People in Vancouver experienced an increase in police drug seizures during the first year of British Columbia's drug decriminalization pilot project, according to a Simon Fraser University study.” Etymology
From de- + criminalization or decriminalize + -ation.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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