v. To change the laws so something is no longer a crime. Opposite of criminalize.
WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.
v. make legal
Word Usage
"January 31, 2008 at 12: 06 PM what's important is the distinction between "decriminalize" and "legalize" ... how very Republican of you to follow the Washington TIMES and ignore nuance in favor of a soundbite."