criminalize
UK/'krɪmɪn(ə)laɪz/US
Definitions
v.
To make an activity illegal; to turn something into a criminal offence
将……定为犯罪；使……成为违法行为
v.
To treat someone as a criminal
把……当作罪犯对待
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedcriminalaccusation, crime, judgment
+
-izerelating to, having the nature of
=criminalize
criminal + -ize (to make) = 'to make criminal' — either to declare an act illegal by law, or to treat a person as if they were a criminal. Its opposite is decriminalize.
Common Collocations
- 1.criminalize abortion将堕胎定为犯罪
- 2.criminalize drug use将吸毒入罪
- 3.criminalize dissent将异见入罪
Example Sentences
- 1.
Several states moved to criminalize the sale of these chemicals.
- 2.
Critics say the policy criminalizes poverty and homelessness.