criminalize

 
Pronunciation: /ˈkrɪmɪn(ə)lʌɪz/
(also criminalise)

verb

[with object]
  • turn (an activity) into a criminal offence by making it illegal: his view is that the state should not criminalize drug use but discourage it
  • turn (someone) into a criminal by making their activities illegal: these punitive measures would further criminalize travellers for their way of life

Derivatives

criminalization

Pronunciation: /-ˈzeɪʃ(ə)n/
noun