# decriminalization

/diˌkɹɪmənəɫəˈzeɪʃən/ (US) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/decriminalization
Updated: 2026-10-19

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

## Usage notes

- Commonly followed by 'of' plus the offence decriminalized.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.