1. to make an action or behavior illegal by law
Usage: British spelling; American English uses 'criminalize'; transitive verb
2. to treat or regard someone as a criminal
Usage: British spelling; American English uses 'criminalize'; transitive verb

Examples

• The government voted to criminalise the possession of certain drugs.
• Many countries have criminalised hate speech in recent decades.
• The new policy aims to criminalise workplace harassment.
• Critics argue that the law will criminalise ordinary citizens.
• Some activists believe the system criminalises poverty rather than addressing its root causes.
• The legislation criminalises the sale of counterfeit goods.
• Opponents worry the regulation will criminalise free expression.