Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

decriminalization

/diːˌkɹɪmɪnəlaɪzˈeɪʃən/

Word Rarity Rare

Frequency: 2.59 in modern English

Syllables: de-crim-i-nal-iza-tion
IPA: /diːˌkɹɪmɪnəlaɪzˈeɪʃən/

31

Scrabble Score

17

Letters

7

Syllables

12

Unique Chars

Meaning

noun

The act of making an activity or substance no longer criminalized (no longer a crime, subject to criminal penalties, to perform or possess). (Compare legalization, which often implies regulation.)

Uncountable

noun

The act of ceasing to treat a person as a criminal, by making their activities legal or no longer subjecting them to the criminal justice system (but instead possibly the mental healthcare system, etc).

Uncountable

Example Sentences

"the decriminalization of all plant-based psychedelics"
"Some opponents also said federal decriminalization would contribute to more death and injury from impaired drivers using marijuana."
"Most sex work feminists support either the legalization or the decriminalization of sex workers."

Etymology

From de- + criminalization or decriminalize + -ation.

Word Breakdown

Root: *krey-

Usage

Uncountable

Inflected Forms

decriminalisation (alternative)

Frequently Paired Words

legalization

Synonyms

decriminalisation

Antonyms

criminalization

Rhymes With

information education situation population station association administration operation organization nation location application

Questions

How do you pronounce decriminalization?: The recorded pronunciation is /diːˌkɹɪmɪnəlaɪzˈeɪʃən/.
What does decriminalization mean?: The act of making an activity or substance no longer criminalized (no longer a crime, subject to criminal penalties, to perform or possess). (Compare legalization, which often implies regulation.)
Where does decriminalization come from?: From de- + criminalization or decriminalize + -ation.

How to pronounce decriminalization

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