criminalize

IPA/ˈkrɪmɪnəlaɪz/
KK[krˈɪmənəlˌaɪz]IPA/ˈkrɪmɪnəlaɪz/

criminalize — verb

  • criminalizepresent simple I / you / we / they
  • criminalizeshe / she / it
  • criminalizedpast simple
  • criminalizing-ing form

1. to make a particular activity or thing illegal by creating a new law that bans i

1.動詞及物B2
釋義

to make a particular activity or thing illegal by creating a new law that bans it and sets a punishment for doing it.

例句

The Thai government voted to criminalize the use of plastic bags in all shops.

criminalize + noun phrase (the use of something)

Several European countries have criminalized texting while driving on highways.

criminalize + V-ing (gerund phrase)

同義詞
  • outlaw

    very similar, but often used for older or more traditional prohibitions (e.g. outlawing slavery)

  • ban

    broader and more general; can refer to any kind of rule, not only criminal law

  • prohibit

    formal, but covers rules from any authority, not just criminal statutes

反義詞
  • decriminalize

    to remove criminal penalties for an act without necessarily making it fully legal

  • legalize

    to make something permitted by law

文法句型

criminalize + noun phrase (activity / behavior)

be criminalized (passive)

用法筆記

Commonly used in passive constructions (e.g. 'was criminalized in 2020'). The subject is typically a government, legislature, or country.

常見錯誤

❌The school criminalized students from using phones.
✅The school banned students from using phones.
💡Only a law-making body can criminalize something; schools and companies set rules, not criminal law.
❌The new law criminalizes people who steal.
✅The new law criminalizes theft.
💡Criminalize an act (theft), not a person, when using the legislative sense.

2. to treat a particular group of people unfairly as if they are criminals, often b

2.動詞及物C1
釋義

to treat a particular group of people unfairly as if they are criminals, often by making their normal activities or circumstances illegal.

例句

New housing policies in Seoul criminalize large families sharing a small apartment.

criminalize + group (families sharing a space)

The school's dress code criminalizes students for wearing traditional African hairstyles.

criminalize + group for + behavior

同義詞
  • stigmatize

    focuses on social shame rather than legal consequences

  • marginalize

    broader — pushing a group to the edges of society, not specifically as criminals

反義詞
  • protect

    to keep a group safe from unfair treatment

文法句型

criminalize + noun phrase (person / group)

criminalize + group for + behavior

用法筆記

This sense carries a critical tone — it suggests the treatment is unfair, disproportionate, or harmful. Common in sociological and political discussion about marginalized groups.

常見錯誤

❌The police criminalized the robber.
✅The police arrested the robber.
💡Sense 2 describes unfair treatment, not legitimate law enforcement against actual criminals.
❌The law criminalizes being homeless.
✅The law criminalizes homeless people for sleeping in public.
💡Sense 2 targets people, not abstract states.