| 释义 |
decriminalize, v.
[Back-formation f. decriminalization.]
1. trans. To reform (an offender or one with criminal tendencies) through psychiatric treatment. (In quot. as vbl. n.) rare.
1963Punch 26 June 915/3 The Mentor carries news of..‘decriminalizing’ through psychiatry.
2. To reclassify (an activity) so that it is no longer considered criminal in law; spec. to legalize (a narcotic drug, its possession, or use). (Rarely, with person as obj.)
1972Sat. Rev. Sci. (U.S.) 15 Apr. 21/3 The recommended removal of all penalties for the private possession of marihuana would do much to decriminalize a large number of those involved with this drug. 1972N.Y. Times Mag. 2 July 8 Glasser would decriminalize heroin and make it available in pharmacies for addicts. 1973Nature 30 Mar. 292/1 Restating his opposition to decriminalizing the use of marihuana. 1975Listener 18 Dec. 822/3 Homosexuality was decriminalised, and homosexuals came to be treated with unprecedented tolerance. 1977Rolling Stone 5 May 30/3 The likely trend of decriminalized prostitution is already suggested by massage parlors. 1983Daily Tel. 20 June 2/1 A programme of reform was urged which would ‘decriminalise’ certain offences. |