decriminalize
UK[diːˈkrɪmɪnəlaɪz]US[diːˈkrɪmɪnəlaɪz]
v
to stop something from being illegal by changing the law, so that it is no longer a crime, though it may still be an offense subject to a lesser penalty.
Morpheme Breakdown
de
criminal
ize
de
remove
criminal
related to crime
ize
make or cause
Etymology
the word decriminalize is a modern legal formation, constructed from established english morphemes. the prefix 'de-', from latin, carries the sense of reversal or removal. it is attached to the adjective 'criminal', which itself derives from latin crimen (accusation, charge, crime). the suffix '-ize', of ultimate greek origin, is a productive english verb-forming element meaning 'to render or make'. therefore, the literal morphemic construction means 'to make (something) removed from the category of crime'. this term logically entered legal and social discourse to describe the specific act of changing a law so an act is no longer treated as a criminal offense, though it may remain regulated, distinguishing it from full legalization.
Analysis
Structure: de (remove) + criminal (related to crime) + ize (make or cause)
de- (latin origin, a prefix meaning 'down from, off, away, reversing or removing'); criminal (from latin criminalis, pertaining to crime, functional role: base word); -ize (greek origin via latin and french, a verb-forming suffix meaning 'to make, to cause to be, to become').
Examples
many activists argue that the state should decriminalize the possession of small amounts of cannabis.
the government's proposal to decriminalize certain minor traffic offenses aims to reduce court backlogs.
some countries have moved to decriminalize sex work in order to better protect workers' rights and safety.