criminalize

• Etwas durch Gesetz für illegal erklären oder jemanden wie einen Verbrecher behandeln.

A verb meaning to make an act or behavior illegal by law, or to treat someone as a criminal.

1. Treat as a criminalB2formallegal

   To treat someone as a criminal, often unfairly or unjustly.

   Kriminalisieren

   • The new policy tends to criminalize homeless people for minor offenses.
   • Some laws unfairly criminalize certain groups in society.
   • We should not criminalize individuals for seeking medical help.

   Synonymebrandcondemnlabel

   Antonymeabsolveacquitclearexoneratevindicate

2. Declare illegal; outlawB2formallegal

   To make an activity or behavior illegal by passing a law.

   Kriminalisieren

   • The government decided to criminalize the possession of certain drugs.
   • Many countries have criminalized hate speech.
   • They are trying to criminalize the use of plastic bags.

   Synonymebanforbidillegalizeoutlawprohibitproscribe

   Antonymedecriminalizelegitimatize