decriminalise

IPA/ˌdiːˈkrɪm.ɪ.nəl.aɪz/
IPA/ˌdiːˈkrɪm.ə.nəl.aɪz/

decriminalise — verb

  • decriminalisepresent simple I / you / we / they
  • decriminalises3rd person singular
  • decriminalising-ing form
  • decriminalisedpast simple

1. to remove criminal penalties from an activity through legal reform, while the ac

1.動詞及物B2
釋義

to remove criminal penalties from an activity through legal reform, while the activity may remain subject to regulation

例句

Iris helped organise a rally to decriminalise sex work in Cape Town.

decriminalise + [activity]: 'decriminalise sex work'

Kemi argued that the government should decriminalise cannabis for medical use.

decriminalise + for [purpose]: 'decriminalise cannabis for medical use'

同義詞
  • legalise

    legalise makes an activity fully lawful; decriminalise only removes criminal penalties

  • depenalise

    a rarer, more formal synonym used mainly in legal writing

  • legitimise

    broader term about social or moral acceptance, not just legal status

反義詞
  • criminalise

    to make an activity illegal and subject to criminal penalties

文法句型

decriminalise + noun

用法筆記

British spelling; also spelled 'decriminalize' in American English. Often contrasted with 'legalise': decriminalisation removes criminal penalties but the activity may still face civil fines or regulation.

常見錯誤

❌They decriminalised the man for stealing bread.
✅They pardoned the man for stealing bread.
💡'decriminalise' applies to activities, not to individual people or past offences.
❌The government legalised marijuana but you still get a fine.
✅The government decriminalised marijuana but you still get a fine.
💡if penalties remain but are no longer criminal, use 'decriminalise' not 'legalise'.