How Do You Spell DECRIMINALIZE?

Pronunciation: [dɪkɹˈɪmɪnə͡lˌa͡ɪz] (IPA)

The word "decriminalize" is spelled with a "de-" prefix followed by "criminalize." The stress falls on the third syllable, which is pronounced as /krəˈmɪnəlaɪz/. The sound "de-" is pronounced as /diː/ and usually denotes negation or reversal of the action or state. The word means to remove legal penalties or restrictions from certain activities that were previously considered criminal offenses. This word is commonly used in the political and legal spheres, as governments sometimes debate decriminalizing controversial issues such as drug use or sex work.

Meaning and Definition
Common Misspellings
Etymology
Similar spelling words
Conjugate verb
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DECRIMINALIZE Meaning and Definition

  1. Decriminalize is a verb that refers to the act of removing or reducing the legal penalties or sanctions associated with a particular crime or offense. It involves the process of removing criminal penalties, such as imprisonment, and replacing them with lesser penalties or alternative measures, such as fines, warnings, or treatment programs.

    When a specific activity or behavior is decriminalized, it means that it no longer results in criminal charges or convictions, but instead may be treated as a civil matter or regulated under specific regulatory frameworks. Decriminalization does not imply that the activity is legalized or made permissible without any consequences, but rather it signifies a shift from criminal punishment towards alternative approaches aimed at reducing harm, promoting public health or safety, or addressing social issues related to the offense.

    The process of decriminalization often occurs for activities that were previously considered minor offenses or behaviors that may be more appropriately addressed through non-penal means. Examples of actions or substances that have been subject to decriminalization efforts include certain drug possession offenses, public intoxication, sex work, and various traffic violations.

    Ultimately, the aim of decriminalization is to reduce the burden on the criminal justice system, promote more effective and proportionate responses to offenses, and redirect resources towards prevention, education, treatment, or harm reduction strategies.

Common Misspellings for DECRIMINALIZE

Etymology of DECRIMINALIZE

The word "decriminalize" is derived from the combination of the prefix "de-" and the word "criminalize".

The prefix "de-" is of Latin origin, meaning "down", "from", or "opposite of". It is commonly used to denote a reversal or removal of a particular action or state.

The word "criminalize" comes from the noun "criminal", which originates from the Latin word "criminalis" meaning "pertaining to crime". The verb "criminalize" emerged in the mid-19th century, referring to the act of making an action or behavior illegal or punishable by law.

Therefore, "decriminalize" is a blend of these two components, indicating the action of removing or reversing the criminal status or penalty associated with a particular activity or behavior.

Similar spelling words for DECRIMINALIZE

Conjugate verb Decriminalize

CONDITIONAL

I would decriminalize
you would decriminalize
he/she/it would decriminalize
we would decriminalize
they would decriminalize

CONDITIONAL CONTINUOUS

I would be decriminalizing
you would be decriminalizing
he/she/it would be decriminalizing
we would be decriminalizing
they would be decriminalizing

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have decriminalize
you would have decriminalize
he/she/it would have decriminalize
we would have decriminalize
they would have decriminalize

CONDITIONAL PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I would have been decriminalizing
you would have been decriminalizing
he/she/it would have been decriminalizing
we would have been decriminalizing
they would have been decriminalizing

FUTURE

I will decriminalize
you will decriminalize
he/she/it will decriminalize
we will decriminalize
they will decriminalize

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

I will be decriminalizing
you will be decriminalizing
he/she/it will be decriminalizing
we will be decriminalizing
they will be decriminalizing

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have decriminalized
you will have decriminalized
he/she/it will have decriminalized
we will have decriminalized
they will have decriminalized

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I will have been decriminalizing
you will have been decriminalizing
he/she/it will have been decriminalizing
we will have been decriminalizing
they will have been decriminalizing

IMPERATIVE

you decriminalize
we let´s decriminalize

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to decriminalize

PAST

I decriminalized
you decriminalized
he/she/it decriminalized
we decriminalized
they decriminalized

PAST CONTINUOUS

I was decriminalizing
you were decriminalizing
he/she/it was decriminalizing
we were decriminalizing
they were decriminalizing

PAST PARTICIPLE

decriminalized

PAST PERFECT

I had decriminalized
you had decriminalized
he/she/it had decriminalized
we had decriminalized
they had decriminalized

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I had been decriminalizing
you had been decriminalizing
he/she/it had been decriminalizing
we had been decriminalizing
they had been decriminalizing

PRESENT

I decriminalize
you decriminalize
he/she/it decriminalizes
we decriminalize
they decriminalize

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

I am decriminalizing
you are decriminalizing
he/she/it is decriminalizing
we are decriminalizing
they are decriminalizing

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

decriminalizing

PRESENT PERFECT

I have decriminalized
you have decriminalized
he/she/it has decriminalized
we have decriminalized
they have decriminalized

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I have been decriminalizing
you have been decriminalizing
he/she/it has been decriminalizing
we have been decriminalizing
they have been decriminalizing
I would have decriminalized
we would have decriminalized
you would have decriminalized
he/she/it would have decriminalized
they would have decriminalized

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Correct spelling for decriminalize
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