'criminalize' definitions:

Definition of 'criminalize'

From: WordNet
verb
Treat as a criminal
verb
Declare illegal; outlaw; "Marijuana is criminalized in the U.S." [syn: outlaw, criminalize, criminalise, illegalize, illegalise] [ant: decriminalise, decriminalize, legalise, legalize, legitimate, legitimatise, legitimatize, legitimise, legitimize]

Definition of 'criminalize'

From: GCIDE
  • criminalize \criminalize\ v. t. to declare (an act) to be illegal.
  • Syn: outlaw, illegalize, ban. [WordNet 1.5]