How to pronounce decriminalize
Say it like dee-krim-uh-nuh-LYZE. Decriminalize has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the fifth one (LYZE).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce decriminalize. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- dee
- krim
- uh
- nuh
- LYZE
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Decriminalize pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- deeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
- krimGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- nuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- LYZESay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in time.
American vs British pronunciation of decriminalize
- The stress moves: Americans stress syllable 5, while British speakers stress syllable 2.
British respelling: dee-KRIM-ih-nuh-lyze.
What does decriminalize mean?
- To change the laws so something is no longer a crime.
Where does decriminalize come from?
Back-formation from decriminalization, equivalent to de- + criminalize.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with decriminalize
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of decriminalize.
Questions about saying decriminalize
How do you pronounce decriminalize?
Say dee-krim-uh-nuh-LYZE. The American pronunciation is /diˌkrɪmənəˈlaɪz/. In British English it is /diːˈkrɪmɪnəlaɪz/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in decriminalize?
Decriminalize has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the fifth one (LYZE). Broken into parts: dee · krim · uh · nuh · LYZE.
Is decriminalize pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The stress moves: Americans stress syllable 5, while British speakers stress syllable 2. The British form is /diːˈkrɪmɪnəlaɪz/ (dee-KRIM-ih-nuh-lyze).