As verbs the difference between legitimize and decriminalize
is that legitimize is to make legitimate while decriminalize is to change the laws so something is no longer a crime. Opposite of criminalize.
legitimize
English
Alternative forms
* legitimise
Verb
(legitimiz)
To make legitimate.
Usage notes
* Forms of (legitimize) ares about twice as common as forms of the verb legitimate in the US.
* Forms of legitimate are somewhat more common than the forms of the verbs (legitimize) and (legitimise) in the UK combined.
Synonyms
* legitimate (verb)
Derived terms
* delegitimize
* illegitimatize
* illegitimize
decriminalize
English
Verb
To change the laws so something is no longer a crime. Opposite of criminalize.
Related terms
* decriminalization
Synonyms
* legalize
Antonyms
* criminalize
