criminalization — English Dictionary

Noun

1. The act of making a previously legal activity illegal, the act of making something a criminal offence.

   Usage

   • Countable
   • Uncountable

   Examples

   And of course, s/m players who participate in breath play will also be more vulnerable to criminalization under such a new law.

2. The act of turning someone into a criminal by making their activities illegal.

   Usage

   • Countable
   • Uncountable

Noun

1. legislation that makes something illegal

   Synonyms

   criminalisation

   Antonyms

   decriminalization

   Broader terms

   legislationlegislatinglawmaking

   Examples

   the criminalization of marijuana