criminalize
Translation
to criminalise, to make illegal
Examples
They voted to criminalize the sale of certain drugs.
They voted to criminalise the sale of certain drugs.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) to make (sth.) an illegal activity They voted to criminalise the sale of certain drugs.
Similar Words
Synonyms: outlaw, prohibit; Antonyms: legalise, decriminalise
Etymology
Comes from 'criminal' and the verb-forming suffix '-ize'. It literally means 'to make something a crime'.
Memory Tips
Think of 'crime' + '-ize'. The suffix '-ize' means 'to make into', so to 'criminalize' is to make something into a crime.