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Legalise vs Decriminalize - What's the difference?

legalise | decriminalize |

As verbs the difference between legalise and decriminalize

is that legalise is while decriminalize is to change the laws so something is no longer a crime opposite of criminalize.

legalise

English

(wikipedia legalise)

Alternative forms

* legalize

Verb

(legalis)
  • To make legal or permit under law. Either by decriminalising something that has been illegal or by specifically permitting it.
    • There is a debate whether or not to legalise some of the softer drugs.

    Antonyms

    * (l), (l) * (l), (l)

    Derived terms

    * (l), (l)

    Anagrams

    * (l)

    decriminalize

    English

    Verb

  • To change the laws so something is no longer a crime. Opposite of criminalize.

    • Related terms

    * decriminalization

    Synonyms

    * legalize

    Antonyms

    * criminalize